Sam Gholson

Sam Gholson (formally of Decatur, Illinois) passed away peacefully April 25, 2025 in Greensboro, Georgia at the age of 97. He was born on a farm outside of Eldorado, Illinois on Christmas Day in 1927. After the loss of his mother as a young boy, he was lovingly raised by his five older siblings during the Great Depression.

Sam enlisted in the Navy at age 17 (with a little fibbing about his birthdate) and served aboard the aircraft carrier USS Franklin D Roosevelt towards the end of World War II in the Mediterranean Theater. Later he would be fortunate enough to travel on a Freedom Honor Flight to visit the War Memorials in Washington D.C. After discharge from the Navy Sam married Sharon Rose Hardesty. They had 73 years of marriage we all could envy. They were absolutely devoted to each other and true best friends. He and Sharon moved to Peoria after the war for an opportunity at Caterpillar Tractor Company where he spent more than 40 years. Despite not having a high school diploma, he volunteered for the introduction of information technology to the Caterpillar facility in Decatur and rose to senior managerial positions. Rumor has it that his blood was Caterpillar yellow.

He is survived by son Dan (Kathy) of Greensboro GA: grandchildren Lee (Angela) of Chicago, Benjamin (Christina) of Atlanta, and Alexandra Buck (Jason) of Kansas City; great-grandsons Zachary, Tyler, Daniel, and Andrew.

Sam Gholson’s life is the story of love of family, love of country, and unwavering perseverance. He will be missed. 

A private family interment will be held at Gholson Cemetery in Broughton, Illinois. McCommons Funeral Home, 109 W. Broad St., Greensboro, GA, (706) 453-2626, is in charge of arrangements. Visit us at www.mccommonsfuneralhome.com to sign the online guest register.

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