Shep's Place Family Tree

"What was it about this town that attracted Samuel Jarrott "Sam" Foglesong, whose sole purpose in coming to Mullens in the first place in 1940 was "to help out" in his cousin's funeral home for two weeks? He remained in the town which he soon cherished and wholeheartedly supported until his death at Pine Lodge January 24, 1992--almost 52 years later. He had been a resident at the nursing home facility in Beckley for only ...days.
The cousin referred to was Harry Fogleson. When Sam was asked recently why he chose his profession, he immediately answered, "I was born into it. My father, my cousins, and my older brother were funeral directors. What other profession could I have pursued?"
....Fogleson's contributions to First United Methodist Church, Mullens High School, this town, and this county are inestimable. Throughout the years, he served with dedication and pride. Mullens is a better place because of his presence.
....Mr. Fogleson held the destinction of having served as a member of the Wyoming County Board of Education longer than did any other individual. He served in that capacity for 19 years.
He was a former president of the Mullens Rotary Club, a member of the Mullens Masonic Lodge, a 32nd Degree Mason, and a Shriner. He was a charter member of the board of trustees for the Tri-County Burial Association in Beckley.
A native of Mason County, he was born at Mason December 5, 1916. His parents were the late William H. and Katharine Ruttencutter Foglesong. All members of his family were Methodists and attended the Mason Methodist Church, where his mother served as organist for many years. After his mother died, his sister became church organist and today at 80 years still serves in that capacity.
Sam was graduated from Wahama High School. He played center on the basketball team. In 1939 he was graduated from West Virginia Wesleyan College with a BA in business administration. He was also a graduate of Nile Bryant Professional School and attended Ohio University. He was a member of the state tennis team in 1937, at which time Wesleyan went undefeated. He also played basketball. He belonged to Kappa Alpha Order Fraternity and Alpha Psi Omega, a national honorary dramatic fraternity.
Mr. Foglesong was also reputed to be an authority on Fanny Crosby, the reknown hymn writer. He knew when and why she wrote every song and could sing most of them. His interest in vocal music began perhaps in his early years and continued throughout his life. He was president of the Wesleyan Choir during his senior year.
....More than anything else he loved his family, centering his conversations in recent years around them.
His daughter, Ellen fisher, is a graduate of Wesleyan and earned the MRE in religious education at Duke University. She is director of Christian Education at the First United Methodist Church in Jefferson City, TN. Her husban, Dan Fisher, is director of human resources at Flowers Baking Co. in Morristown, TN...daughters Jenny and Carianne....
His son, Sam W., is a graduate of Morris Harvey College and also attended Beckley College, Concord College, and Tampa University. For 15 years he has been circulation manager of Somerset Newspapers Inc. in Somerset, PA. His wife is the former Sharon Kade. Their children include S. Scott and Stuart A.
Other survivors include a sister, Evelyn Proffitt, and a brother, Donald Foglesong, both of Mason.
He was preceded in death by his wife Jane Caldabaugh Fogleson, June 1, 1990 and a daughter, Carole Jane Foglesong, March 29, 1988. Both his wife and daughter were Wyoming County teachers. Teacher of the Year of Wyoming County, Carole was presented the Distinguished West Virginian Award by Gov. Arch Moore shortly before her death.
There is no doubt that Sam was one of the best known, most respected citizens ever to live in Wyoming County....
A friend for about 45 years, Watt Carr remakred, "Very seldom if ever does a person cross one's path in this world who makes an indelible impression that sets him apart from all others, Such a person was Sam, whom I considered unique. He was blessed with the gift of compassion....."