Sam Panter

Mr. Sam Hampton Panter, affectionately known as “Pap,” age 86, of Mineral Bluff, passed away September 28, 2019, in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He was born in Fannin County, December 3, 1932, to the late Julius and Blanche Garren Panter.

After graduating high school, Sam entered the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. He served during combat for three years and was honorably discharged as a Sergeant 1st Class. Sam retired as a Boilermaker from Tennessee Chemical Company and also was a member of Boilermakers Local 586. He, along with his family, was a longtime and active member of Bethel Church. He was a talented artist who enjoyed painting and created many pieces for family and friends. 

Preceding him death were his wife, Ella Mae Key Panter; and three siblings, Bobby Panter, Judy P. Allen and Rachel P. Turner.

Survivors include his precious Ruth Ann Boggs; daughter and son-in-law, Sue and Stanley Pack; brother and sister-in-law, Wallace and Dotty Panter; sisters and brother-in-law, Betty Byers and Velma and Jack Hughes; grandchildren, Jeremy Smith, Jennifer Smith, April Pack, Trai Pack and Jerrit Pack; and 10 great grandchildren also survive. Funeral services were conducted Tuesday, October 1, 2019, from the Bethel Church with the Rev. Doug Payne officiating. Music was provided by Bethel Church. 

Interment followed in the Union Cemetery with the following gentlemen serving as pallbearers: Jeremy Greer, Kenneth Gaddis, Shawn Curtis, Scott Key, Patrick Key, Stephen Hughes, Mike Hughes and Randy Williams. Honorary pallbearers were members of Boilermakers Local 586, members of Bethel Church and singers and dancers at Billie’s. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.akinsfuneralhome.com. Akins Funeral Home of Blue Ridge was in charge of the arrangements.