Samuel James Arbes

Samuel James Arbes of Cary passed away on May 3, 2014. He was born to Greek-American parents, James and Fotina Arbes on October 26, 1920. He was raised in Westfield, NJ where he enjoyed playing sports and working in the family diner.

Sam played football for UNC-CH and became a Tarheel for life. While a student at UNC, he met his future wife, Frances Lewis. He graduated in 1947 with a B.A. in Education and then received a Masters in Education from the University of Maryland in 1949.

Sam was a captain in the US Marine Corps in World War II and in the Korean War. He

enjoyed a long career as a teacher, coach, and athletic director and retired from Durham High School in 1981. He was known for his passion for his students and involvement in their lives which extended beyond the classroom and the gym.

Sam was a member of Peace Presbyterian Church where he faithfully attended until his declining years. He will always be remembered for his enthusiasm for people and devotion to his family.

Sam is survived by his wife of 63 years, Frances Lewis Arbes; son, Samuel James Arbes, Jr., and son’s wife, Viesha, of Apex; daughter, Amy Arbes Vogler, and her husband, Ben, of High Point; and son-in-law, Elliott Murnick, of Raleigh. Surviving grandchildren are Anna Claire and Abigail Murnick of Raleigh; Hope Vogler Dooley and her husband, Stephen, of Greensboro; Samuel and Sarah Arbes of Apex; and Daniel Vogler of High Point. He is also survived by his brother, Stephen Arbes, and brother’s wife, Rose, of DePere, Wisconsin. Sam is predeceased by his daughter, Anne Arbes Murnick; sister, Helen Arbes; and brother, Spero Arbes.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 on Saturday, May 10, 2014, at Peace Presbyterian Church, Cary, NC. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Sam’s memory can be made to Hospice of Wake County.

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