Sam Scarlett

SAM SCARLETT, at this season when we celebrate the birth of God?s son in a cattle stable, one of the earthly caretakers of His animal kingdom has been born into the heavenly Home we are all promised. Charles Samuel (Sam) Scarlett, 74, of New Market, TN died on Sunday, December 7, 2008 at St. Mary?s Hospital in Knoxville from complications resulting from septicemia. A Jefferson County native, Sam was a lifelong dairy farmer on farms located near New Market. The fourth-generation Scarlett Holstein herd that Sam originated with his father was recognized across the Southeast, and had received many production and show-ring awards. Cattle from this herd have been sold into many herds in the region, and contributed to the well being of other farmers. Milk produced by the Scarlett herd has provided nutrition for thousands of Southeast families, as well as serving as a catalyst for many economic channels of the food service industry. A leader and driving force in many facets of the dairy and agricultural industry, Sam was a former president and board member of the Tennessee Holstein Association. He helped organize and chaired the Tennessee Holstein Futurity for many years. Representing Piedmont Milk Producers, he was a current board member of the American Dairy Association of Tennessee, and had served as a director of the Tennessee Beef Industry Council. He was a three-term board member and former officer of Tennessee Dairy Herd Improvement Association. He had been awarded as an Outstanding Young Dairyman of his milk producing association. He had been a board member of East Tennessee Select Sires. With a loyal commitment, Sam had a deep love for his wife of 46 years, Bobbie, his family, and his group of extended family and friends. He treasured his grandchildren, and always had time to answer their many questions about the world. The Scarlett fall pig roast is a cherished tradition of the New Market area, as it served to foster a community spirit for neighbors and dairy farm friends. Concerned by the American public?s seeming attitude of diminishing agriculture and ?biting the hands that feed them?, he had a passion for sharing the importance of farming by welcoming many visitors, city neighbors, and the general public for farm tours. Sam was known for his firmly independent mindset, his strong sense of right and wrong, and his ability to voice his opinion. His associates respected and appreciated his honesty and candor. A die-hard Republican, he was open-minded enough to count many Democrats as good friends. His sense of humor was hallmarked with a great big booming laugh that reverberated for great distances, and made others laugh in turn. Even when he might be ?calling one to task,? he would quickly find a way to inject humor and punctuate his thoughts with that unforgettable laugh. He was a lifelong member of Loy Memorial Methodist Church, New Market, where he was a long-term member of the Administrative Council. He was on the committee that recently guided that congregation into a merger with the current New Market Methodist Church. He was a 32nd Degree Mason. He was predeceased by his parents, Neal and Ollie Frances Scarlett of New Market. He is survived by his wife, Bobbie Scarlett, of the home; sons and daughters-in-law, Robert and Susan Scarlett, and John Neal and Deborah Scarlett; grandchildren, Justin Scarlett, JoBeth Scarlett, John Ryan Scarlett, and Jackie Scarlett, all of New Market, Tn; a sister and brother-in-law, Frances and Joe Cunningham of Knoxville, TN; brother and sister-in-law, Giffin and Mary Scarlett of Lafayette, IN; sister-in-law and husband, Betty and Bob Horton of Maryville, TN; nephews and spouses, Mike and Beth Cunningham of Gray, TN, Mike and Lisa Hitch of Maryville; nieces, Pam Cunningham of Knoxville, TN, Anne Scarlett of Chicago, IL; nephew, Shawn Scarlett of Seattle, WA; and special family friend, Sam Nicholson, Jr. of Bethesda, MD. Sam?s leadership will be deeply missed by a wide-ranging host of extended family and friends in both the community and agricultural circles. Funeral service will be held at 8:00 p.m. Wednesday evening, December 10, 2008 from the Farrar Jefferson City chapel with Reverend Mike Carter and Reverend Diane Cornett officiating. The family will receive friends from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home. Family and friends will meet at 10:00 a.m. Thursday morning at the funeral home to proceed to New Market Cemetery for an 11:00 a.m. graveside interment service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that the following memorial be considered: The Tennessee Holstein Memorial Scholarship ? Sam Scarlett, c/o Rissa Mitchell, Secretary, 227 Holstein Drive, Lafollette, TN 37766 (Phone, 423-562-0168), or to the New Market Methodist Church. ARRANGEMENTS BY FARRAR FUNERAL HOME IN JEFFERSON CITY, TN (865) 475-3892