A beloved father, grandfather, and brother, Samuel Phillip Forney was ushered into the arms of Jesus on Saturday, January 31, 2026. "Sam" was born to the late Alexander and Irene Moore Forney on June 7, 1933 in Morganton, NC.

Sam worked in the furniture industry at Henredon Furniture for many years before retiring. Sam was a beacon in the Shiloh A.M.E. Church family where he was a dedicated member of the Men's Choir and a faithful attendee of the Sunday School where he was often parked outside of the church an hour early, eager to enter the house of the Lord. Sam also looked forward to being the official "Bell Ringer" at the end of Sunday School, which was proclaimed by Pastor Wayne. Sam spent his retired years driving to downtown Morganton and parking on the "Square" enjoying a sammich, playing the guitar, watching his all-time favorite show, "Gunsmoke," being in company with his son, Curt, and listening to country music. Sam was a loving, gentle spirit that could "make a tree laugh."

Sam is preceded in death by his wife, Texie Rutherford Forney; daughter, Barbara Ann Forney; and grandson, James "Shawn" Forney; sister, Gertrude Forney Corpening, brothers, June Alexander (Bug) Forney, LouRay Forney, and Joe Forney.

Left behind to cherish Sam's memory are his five of his six children; Betsy Forney (Rex) of Morganton, NC, Curtis Forney of Morganton, NC, James Rutherford (Elizabeth) of Lincolnton, NC, Lisa Forney of Morganton, NC, and Richard Forney of Morganton, NC; One sister, Inez Forney Moore; Grandchildren, Angie Rutherford of Charlotte, NC, Arabia Rutherford of Morganton, NC, Shannon Forney of Winston Salem, NC, Korey Forney of Morganton, NC, Shalee Forney of Charlotte, NC, Anthony Thomas of Morganton, NC; Sierra Forney of Belmont, NC, Alexis Forney of Morganton, NC;  a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Sam's life of faith, kindness, and dedication will continue to inspire others to be and feel "Like a Champ!"

A homegoing celebration honoring the life and legacy of Mr. Samuel Phillip Forney will be held Friday February 6, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at Shiloh A.M.E. Church with Rev. Dr. Wayne Johnson serving as eulogist; interment will follow in the church cemetery.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. The service will be recorded and posted later Friday afternoon on our Facebook page and YouTube channel; the links are found below:

The service will be live-streamed on the McCain Funeral Home & Cremations Facebook page and YouTube Channel; the links are found below:

McCain Funeral Home & Cremations Facebook Page:

https://www.facebook.com/mccainfuneralhome/

McCain Funeral Home & Cremations YouTube Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu4qb7IT7sO-Kc0BRs05J-A