It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Samuel Emerson Britt, who departed this life on August 23, 2024, at the age of 95. Samuel was born on August 16, 1929, to parents Evander Malloy Britt and Dorothy Geneva Bowman. A long-time resident of Lumberton, North Carolina, Samuel was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend. He is now reunited with his beloved wife, Elsie Gentry Britt, who preceded him in death on June 25, 2014.

Samuel is survived by his three loving children: Dr. Samuel Emerson Britt II of Lumberton, his wife Dianne, and their children, Sarah Elizabeth Britt Foley, Susan Britt Rieser, and Samuel Emerson Britt III; his daughter, Nancy Jane Britt Wagner of Lumberton, her husband Mark Yorty Wagner, and their children, Ashley Campbell, Meghan Inman, and Lauren Galvan; and his youngest son, Daniel Gentry Britt of Atlanta. Samuel's family was his greatest pride, and he cherished every moment spent with them.

At the age of one, his father passed away and his mother moved the family to the family farm in Marion, North Carolina to be near her family.  It was there he developed lifelong friends, his love of the land, his love of all types of hunting and for playing sports. At age seventeen, the family moved back to Lumberton, North Carolina where he finished his high school education and met and developed lifelong Lumberton friends.

A proud alumnus of Wake Forest University, Samuel also attended Wake Forest School of Law. His legal career was marked by dedication and service. Upon returning to Lumberton, he practiced law with his brother, Evander Munn Britt, and his uncle, William S. Britt, at Britt and Britt Law Firm before serving as a North Carolina probation officer. Samuel was elected in 1966 as a District Court Judge for Robeson County, a position he held with integrity and distinction until he was appointed by Governor James B. Hunt as a Special Superior Court Judge for the State of North Carolina. He eventually became the chief Superior Court Judge of the 16th Judicial District.  Samuel served with honor until his retirement December 31, 1984, after which he continued to contribute as an emergency judge for several years.

Samuel served his country honorably in the United States Air Force, where he used his legal training as an attorney and was stationed first in Florida and then both England and France. While overseas, they developed their love of travel and enjoyed many adventures traveling and exploring much of Europe. Samuel's service was marked by dedication to both his country and his profession.

Outside of his legal career, Samuel was a passionate sportsman, with a lifelong love for game hunting. As a member of the North State Game Club, he successfully hunted 132 deer, as well as pursuing rabbits, pheasants, doves, and elk. His passion for the outdoors took him on numerous hunting trips across the country, where he found great joy and camaraderie. In addition to his love of the outdoors, Samuel was a gifted poet and storyteller who found solace and expression through the written word, often sharing his poetry and stories with family and friends.

Samuel's love story with Elsie began while attending Wake Forest University, and together, they built a life filled with adventure and love. After he completed his military service, they returned to Samuel's hometown of Lumberton. Alongside his brother, Evander, Samuel built a successful farming enterprise, Britt and Britt Farms, which spanned three counties. Even in retirement, Samuel remained actively involved in farming, growing crops such as soybeans, wheat, corn, cotton, and tobacco.

A pillar of the First Baptist Church of Lumberton, Samuel served his church with dedication, holding positions such as Deacon, Chair of the Deacon Board, Sunday School teacher, and serving on various church committees. His faith and church community were of immense importance to him, offering comfort and joy throughout his life. In his final weeks, he was deeply moved when his church congregation brought the Sunday service to Wesley Pines, allowing him to continue participating in the worship he held so dear.

Samuel Emerson Britt will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to his family, his faith, his community, and the land he loved. His legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched and the enduring impact of his kindness and wisdom.

A visitation with the family will be held on Saturday, September 7, 2024, at 1:00 PM at First Baptist Church of Lumberton, 606 N. Walnut Street in Lumberton, NC. The funeral and celebration of Samuel will follow at 2:00. Following the funeral there will be a gravesite gathering at Meadowbrook Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the First Baptist Church of Lumberton in Samuel's honor.