Samuel (Sam) Franklin Sawyers age 85 of Fries, Virginia passed away Monday, December 19, 2011 in the Golden Living Center.

Mr. Sawyers was born in Wythe County, Virginia on June 8, 1926 to Hobert and Rosetta Smith Sawyers. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife Edith Sawyers and five brothers.

He is survived by his daughters and sons-in-law Carolyn and Joe Rector; Faye Taylor and Herbert Criner all of Fries, Virginia; Sharon and Bill Ford of Galax, Virginia; son and daughter-in-law Jim and Juanita Sawyers of Galax, Virginia; brother and sister-in-law Buford and Shirley Sawyers of Cripple Creek, Virginia; sister-in-law Billie Ridpath of Fries, Virginia; brothers-in-law and spouses Clarence and Lois Martin of Meadowview, Virginia; James and Peggy Martin of Murfreesboro, Tennessee; nine grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; several special friends.

The funeral service will be held Thursday, December 22, 2011 at 7:00 PM in the Vaughan-Guynn Chapel with Rev. James Linville and Rev. Bill Shupe officiating. The family will receive friends Thursday from 5:00 PM until time for the service at the funeral home. A graveside service will be held Friday at 11:00 AM in the Monta Vista Cemetery with Military Rites by the Grayson VFW Post 7726.