Mr. Samuel James Burks, 47, affectionately called “Sam,” was born on January 9, 1974, in Fontana, Calif., and was the son of Olivia Steen Burks and the late Rex Earl Burks. He departed this life on Sunday, April 4, 2021, at his home.

He was a graduate of New Castle High School, attended college and also received his CDL license. At the time of his death, he was employed by SEFA Trucking Company as a truck driver. He was married to Charlene McCombs Burks, who survives.

He leaves to cherish the memory of his life in addition to his loving wife, Charlene M. Burks of the home; his mother, Olivia S. Burks of New Castle, Okla.; two children, Katisha Monique (Darnell Stevenson and Jessica Nichole Marrow, both of Statesville; five grandchildren, Zavion Linney, Heaven Borders, Derome Borders, Isaiah Stevenson and Jeremiah Stevenson; one brother, Tracy (Kari) Burks of New Castle, Okla.; one sister, Charlene Catral of Winston-Salem, N.C.: brothers-in-law, James McCombs of Salisbury, Terry Moss and Marcus (Angela) Moss, both of Statesville; sisters-in-law, Ann Carpenter of Charlotte, Jessica (Shaun) Whittenburg of Statesville and Tanisha Parks of Mocksville; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Celebration of Life Services will be conducted Friday, April 9, 2021, at 2 p.m. at Rutledge and Bigham Funeral Home.

Rutledge and Bigham Funeral Home is serving the family.