John “Sam” Fish, age 71, of Whitesides Road, Forest City, NC, died Wednesday, February 9, 2011 at his residence.

     Sam was born August 24, 1939 in Buncombe County, NC to the late Uthea Fish and Ella Ducker Fish.  He worked for Burlington Industries for over 35 years before his retirement and played banjo for the Blood Bought Trio.  He attended the Ledford Grove Baptist Church in Lawndale and ministered at Autumn Care, Colonial Manor and Fair Haven Home. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, re-finishing gun stocks and crafted handmade wedding rings. 

     In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Robert Fish, Russell Fish, Franklin Fish; two sisters, Barbara Powell and Wanda Bradshaw.

     Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Josephine Y. Fish; two sons, Johnny Fish of Forest City and Wayne Fish and wife, Rose of Ellenboro; three daughters, Rebecca Feimster and husband, J.O. of Bostic, Shelby Gettys and husband, Donald of Bostic, Lesia Studioso and husband, Richard of Mt. Holly, NC; one brother, Everette Fish and wife, Lorena of Forest City; five sisters, Coleen Clontz of Forest City, Beverly Dalton of Hickory, NC, Faye Greene and husband, Ronnie of Forest City and Resia Wright and husband, Dan of Ellenboro.  He is also survived by 11 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. 

     Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 13, 2011 at the Harrelson Funeral Chapel with Reverend Jackie Price and Reverend Leon Brown officiating.  Interment will follow in the Yelton Family Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. on Saturday at the funeral home.

     Harrelson Funeral Home is serving the Fish family.

A live webcast of the services and an online guest registry are available at