Samuel Eugene Christley

Samuel Eugene Christley, born December 22, 1940, passed on February 10, 2026, due to dementia.

A graveside service will be held at Overlook Cemetery at 3pm Friday, February 13, 2026. Samuel will lie-in-repose Thursday, February 12, 2026, from Noon to 4:00pm, at Fair Funeral Home. The family will receive friends and visitors following the service at The Morehead-Fair House, 420 Boone Rd, Eden. Light refreshments will be served.

Gene, as he was referred to, was born in Spray to Fred and Odessa Christley. He served 4 years in the United States Airforce during the Vietnam era. After service, he lived in California and in 1996, moved back to Eden. He was a member of St. Joseph’s of the Hills and, later, he attended St. Luke’s Episcopal Church with his wife, Frieda.

Gene enjoyed reading history books, novels, and political books. He was a history buff. He loved westerns, especially John Wayne. Gene married is second wife, Frieda, in 1996. They enjoyed the small pleasures of life together.

Gene leaves behind three children, Tracie, Matthew, and Ryan from California, and a brother, Dwight Christley in Alaska. He also leaves behind a caring cousin, Melissa Dalton. She has been so thoughtful and caring to Gene during his dementia. He also leaves behind his caring and loving wife, Frieda.

His step daughter, Charlotte Nations, and her husband, Brad, have helped in so many ways during Gene’s illness.

A special thank you to my family, Angie Scott, Cody Morris, Derrick Scott, William and Roy Lee Carter, Gloria and Jimmy Hall.

A special thank you to my neighbor, Wayne Harris, for doing so much for us in the time of need, and his wife, Billie, for the kind phone calls, and Lonnie Gant for picking Gene up after his many falls.

A thank you for St. Luke’s Episcopal Church for the many calls and concerns.

A thank you for Ancora for seeing to his needs after his hospital stay.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 600 Morgan Rd, Eden, NC 27288.

Online condolences can be left for the family at www.fairfuneralhome.com.