Sam Lee “Tommy” Silverthorne, age 68, a resident of 7664 US 17 North, Washington, died  Thursday, September 27, 2012, at his home.
A funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM Sunday, September 30, 2012, in the Chapel of Paul Funeral Home & Crematory in Washington officiated by Rev. Robert Jacob. Burial will follow in Oakdale Cemetery. His sons will serve as pallbearers.
Mr. Silverthorne was born July 23, 1944, son of the late Sam and Laura Mae Woolard Silverthorne.
This is a tribute to a great man, wonderful father and my best friend and a friend to all. Sam, or Tommy, as some knew him, always had a very high spirit in life and for helping others. He never hesitated to help anyone, even at his own expense. Often he was taken advantage of but he just kept going and held his head high and continued to help others. Toward the end of his life, he saw results of his distinct and wonderful personality with the kindness of strangers. Strangers that he never helped before but that were drawn to help him because of his good hearted nature. Throughout his life he has touched so many lives that were better through laughter. One thing most notable about Sam was his desire to make others smile and laugh. Everyone that knew him liked him and that tells the character of a man. Sam was just that, a man. A man can be defined by many terms but is ultimately defined by the individual themselves. Sam was the type of man who took what God and life placed on him and made the best of it. Through a lot of his life, Sam really strived to help his ex-wife, her mother, his girlfriend, his sons and others that he could help. One of his favorite things was to have family gathered or go out to eat together. Sam’s life ended on September 27, 2012, and is a great loss to the world. His old world ways and smile and a handshake will be lost in time now, only surviving in memories. Dad you are the best father and we will all miss you dearly forever. Peace be with you and one day we will reunite again. God bless you and all you have given to others. You will always be loved.
Mr. Silverthorne is survived by his sons:  Sam Lee Silverthorne, Jr. of Biloxi MS; Charlie Ray Silverthorne and wife Lisa of Jamesville; Thomas Lee Silverthorne and wife Becky of Washington; Bobby Nelson Silverthorne and wife Cathy of Washington and Jamie Timothy Silverthorne and wife Amy of Greenville; his brothers: Marvin “Buddy” Silverthorne and wife Deloris of Greenville; Turner Silverthorne and wife Sandy of Washington and Johnny Silverthorne of Washington; his sister: Mary Jo Williams of Washington; ten grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.  He is preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and one sister.
The family will receive friends 5:00-7:00 PM on Saturday at Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington and at the home following the service on Sunday.
You may address your on-line condolences to the family by visiting www.paulfuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Paul Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1465, Washington, NC  27889.
Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington is honored to serve the Silverthorne family.