Sam Henrickson, Jr.

Sam Thomas Reid Henrickson, beloved husband, brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, coach, and quiet patriarch of his family, passed away on December 30, 2025, in his home. Born on September 20, 1943, to the late Sam and Louise Henrickson, Sam lived a life marked by responsibility, devotion, and an unwavering belief in doing your best.

Sam grew up in a small white house at the end of the cul-de-sac on Willborough Avenue visiting his dad at the family drug store often. By the age of 15, he was helping carry the weight of the household, supporting a widowed mother, a younger brother, and a baby sister after his father, Sam’s, sudden passing. Thrust into responsibility far too young, he became the steady presence his family needed, a role he would carry with him for the rest of his life.

Sam’s life found its truest beginning on an October Sunday afternoon, Oct. 1, 1961. Katherine “Kathy” Elberta Goforth—soft-spoken, gentle, and full of grace— became his wife at the young age of 18. They were sweethearts ready to build a life together.

His love expanded through fatherhood to his four children - Rhonda, Sam, Kathy, and Angela. He was the kind of dad who could give life lessons, fix a problem, and sneak in a sarcastic remark all into one. Even as his kids grew to be adults, he was still in the game - offering advice, recounting stories about their childhood (oftentimes with his own twists in the details), and reminding them who really called the plays.

Time and again, Sam wandered the sun-dappled greens of the course. His swing was as reliable as his demeanor: steady, thoughtful, and often mischievous. Sam played golf with confidence - though the putt-putt championships occasionally reminded him that not every hole bends to his will.

Sam spent 47 years dedicated to working alongside his brother, Jimmy, at Southern Photo in downtown Fayetteville on Russell St.

Sam’s impact was felt deeply on ballfields across the community, where he spent decades coaching little league baseball, basketball, and football. For him, it was never about the home run or the touchdown. It was about effort, fundamentals, and learning how to do things the right way. Under his watching, coaching eye, you gave your best. As if to crown his efforts, city championships became a regular part of the legacy for teams guided by Sam.

Even well into his 60s, Sam returned to the dugout - this time drawn back by the chance to coach alongside his son and watch his grandsons play the game he loved.

He was a man of quiet faith, the kind who spoke little but lived each day with trust in God. His prayers were soft whispers, yet they carried the weight of a steadfast heart.

In retirement, Sam savored the simple pleasures of life. His and Kathy’s yard gleamed with meticulous care, every blade of grass trimmed and every bed perfectly aligned. Not a single pine straw dared stray from its place, as if the yard itself obeyed his watchful eye. He spent countless hours cheering on his grandchildren at sports games, babysitting his great-grandchildren, and keeping the kitchen stocked with their favorite cookies. Mornings often found him with his Bordeaux Drug Store coffee club, while evenings could be spent watching old John Wayne westerns or sitting on the couch reminiscing about the good old days. He especially loved it when former players stopped by to visit. He enjoyed his family dropping by, tending to his yard and watering the grass, or simply sitting on the back porch, piddling away the hours with Kathy by his side. Every day held a small joy, and Sam embraced them all with quiet contentment.

Together, Sam and Kathy built a family that was the greatest joy of their lives. He is survived by his wife, Katherine Goforth Henrickson; their four children, Rhonda (Steve) of Mebane, Sam (Mary) of Fayetteville, Kathy (Kenny) of Fayetteville, and Angela of Fort Mill; 16 grandchildren - Megan Bedtelyon (Michael), Cameron Florio (Tyler), Sam Henrickson (Chloe), Andrew Henrickson (Taylor), Reid Cheek, Holly Cheek, Kenny Morkrid (Alexis), Kyle Morkrid, Kody Morkrid, Kolt Morkrid, Alyssa Valle (Gio), Daniel Melvin, Carson Melvin, Abi Melvin, Christian Melvin, Paul Crisafulli ; and 13 great-grandchildren, brother Jimmy (Linda) of Fayetteville and Nancy McClelland (the late Bruce).

A graveside service will be held Wednesday, Jan 7, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. at Cross Creek Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Sam to the American Esophageal Cancer Foundation.