Samuel Dawson Fore Jr.

Samuel Fore, beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle, and godfather was called to eternal rest on Firday, March 20, 2020. He entered this world in Crossnore, NC, born to Samuel and Cordia Fore, who preceeded him in death. He was also preceeded in death by his godson/nephew Joseph and his nephew Antonio. He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Agnes Theresa. He is also survived by his brother, James "Ed" (Janice); his daughter, Natalie (Walter); grandsons, Tucker and Samuel Dawson; granddaughter, Hannah (Drue); his special and only niece Samantha; godson/nephew, Christopher, and nephew Morgan (Melanie); four great nephews, (Ben, Rafael, Brantley, Ares); great niece, Blakely; and goddaughter Amanda; sisters-in-law, Juliet, Ermelinda, Bernadette, and Pamela (Dean); in-laws, Tony and Cristella Pacheco, and numerous family members in New Mexico who adopted him into the family. All loved him dearly.

Sam served in the US Army and the US Air Force from 1963 - 1983. He began his military career in the Army stationed in Turkey as a Ground Radio Operator mastering Morse Code. He transferred into the Air Force and continued in Ground Radio Operations and deployed to Vietnam. He earned the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. On his return from Vietnam, he switched career fields and became a Dental Laboratory Technician. He became one of the best in the field fabricating prosthesis, especially dentures. His favorite tours were in Germany where he learned the German language and spoke it fluently. During his last tour of duty in the 70's while in Germany, he became the boxing coach at Rammstein AFB. He and his Air Force boxers became the European Champions under his guidance.

After his retirement from the military, Sam opened a Dental Laboratory in Las Vegas New Mexico, where he practiced his craft for thirteen years. He moved his practice to Albuquerque where he worked for two years. Sam and his wife then moved to Oklahoma City, where he continued with Dental Laboratory, and was hired as a civilian technician at Tinker AFB where he retired for a second time.

Sam stayed busy in his retirement by doing things that he loved. He volunteered at the Good Shepherd Dental Clinic in its inception, assisting with prosthesis for the disadvantaged and homeless. He was always working out at the gym and lifting weight, He enjoyed reading and learning new things. He continued to study German, Spanish, and French languages. He loved Art and had a preference for Impressionist paintings, especially Monet. He enjoyed a variety of classical music, especially Mozart, Beethovan, and JS Bach, with "May Sheep Safely Graze" being his favorite piece composed by Bach. He received a Bachelor's of Arts Degree from Highlands University in Las Vegas while he lived there and a Master's degree in Philosophy when he lived in Oklahoma. He loved growing squash and cucumbers and planted many flowers in containers that his wife would ask of him. He loved New Mexico, especially the mountain weather, red-green chili and breakfast burritos. He couldn't do without his daily pot of coffee. He had a great sense of humor and he will be sorely missed by all who loved him and considered him a friend.

A Memorial Service will be held via livestream below on Monday, March 30, 2020, 10:00 a.m.