Lewis Carlton "Sam" Haigler

Lewis Carlton “Sam” Haigler, 82, of Charlotte, died Sunday, September 29, 2013, at his home with his family by his side. Sam was born in Mecklenburg County on November 11, 1929, the son of Henry M. and Mamie (nee Grass) Haigler. After graduating from high school, he began working in the pipe fitting trade before enlisting in the US Army on May 14, 1951. He met the woman he wanted to marry in Ms. Sarah Boger, whom he married in York, SC, just 8 days before he went into the Army. While the Korean Conflict was going on during his enlistment, his duty assignment took him to France. He served 23 months before being discharged into the US Army Reserves. Of the 23 months he served, 18 of those were spent overseas. After returning to his wife and their life together in Charlotte, he went back into the pipefitting trade and worked for Grinnell Construction Company. He remained a pipe fitter for his entire career, eventually leaving Grinnell but returning to them again later and retiring from his position there. Sam loved to spend time in his garden and was a charter member of the Matthews Farmers Market where he was known for the corn, jelly, and pickles that he made. When not at the market, he could often be found helping out at his church, Commonwealth United Methodist. He was always caring for others, and he made sure that the shut-ins of his church had plenty of his garden produce. Sam also served his community in the Matthews Lions Club and a proud member of the American Legion, Morris Field Post 380. Most of all, Sam loved his family and friends, and he will be sadly missed by them and all who knew him. Sam is survived by his wife of 62 years, Sarah; three children: David Haigler of Charlotte, Paul “Rusty” (and wife Martha) Haigler of Charlotte, and Thomas “Dan” Haigler (and special friend Jennifer) of Blowing Rock, NC; a granddaughter, Haylee Butcher; and a great grandchild, Carly. He is further survived by two sisters, Belle Kiser of Matthews and Hazeline Stroupe of Charlotte; special friends, Mary Black and Bill Little; his dog, “Bud”; and numerous other family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, most recently his brother Larry who died on November 26, 2012. Lowe-Neddo Funeral Home, 4715 Margaret Wallace Road, Matthews, entrusted with caring for the family as their own. All are invited to join with the family as Pastor Peggy Bridgers leads all in a service to remember Sam at 11 AM on Wednesday, October 2, 2013, in the funeral home chapel. Friends may call upon the family at the funeral home for one hour prior to the service. Following the service, Sam will be taken in formal procession to Sunset Memory Gardens, 8901 Lawyers Road, Charlotte, and laid in his final place of earthly rest. For further details and to share memories and photos, please visit Sam’s personal online webpage at www.LoweNeddoFuneralHome.com or call 704-545-3553.

Lewis Carlton "Sam" Haigler

November 11, 1929 - September 29, 2013