John Chattaway

Balsam/Sarasota, John Sewell "Sam" Chattaway, age 79, passed away on Friday, October 14, 2016 at St. Joseph's Hospital. A native of New London, Connecticut, he was the son of the late John Thurland and Blanche Trimmer Chattaway. He was also preceded in death by one sister, Gloria Montano. As fate would have it, Sam met the love of his life Pat, at the Polar Palace Ice Skating rink in Miami where they lived for 50 years. Sam started a two way radio business called Chatco Communications and operated it for 35 years. He ran his business with honesty and integrity building it into one of the largest two way radio businesses in Miami. Later, at the advent of cell phones he sold his business to a large communications company allowing him to pursue other hobbies such as real estate, ham radios and his favorite passion trains. Ever since he was a young boy he had an interest in trains. He was an active member of the National Historic Railroad Society going to all the railroad conventions he could. Make no mistake though, his true love in life was his wife and family. Married for 49 years he cherished his wife Pat. He was always loyal to her and to his children Paul and Carol. Regarding his children he never missed any event that they were involved in. Through his actions of being a loving committed husband and father he became the perfect role model for his children. His children today proudly continue to emulate the kind of father we was with their children. For his grandchildren he showed his love by making them milk shakes, taking them out for donuts, giving them four wheel rides around the mountain and of course taking them on train rides. Another aspect to this unique individual was his gift of fixing things. If you knew Sam there was great chance that he fixed something for you. Whether it was household repairs, VCR or TV repairs, boat, computer or car repairs Sam could fix it. His engineer mind helped him tackle the hardest most complicated things and make them work. In Miami he was a member for many years at the University Baptist Church (now Christ Journey Church) where he made countless long lasting friendships. After moving from Miami he and Pat became members of First Baptist Church of Sarasota meeting a whole new group of great friends. With summers in North Carolina he was for many years a member of First Baptist Church of Waynesville then later Antioch Baptist Church in Waynesville where more incredible friends were made. Sam's legacy will be his beloved family and his love for the Lord. Sam is survived by his wife of 49 years, Patricia Chattaway; one daughter, Carol Chattaway Parker, of Waynesville; one son, Paul Sewell Chattaway, and his wife, Tracy, of Knoxville, Tennessee; six grandchildren, Ashley McClure, Julie and Lance Reece, Lee Parker, Katie and John Chattaway. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, October 17, 2016 at Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville with Dottie Scates officiating. The family will receive friends from 10:15 until 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Habitat for Humanity of Haywood County, P. O. Box 283, Waynesville, NC 28786.

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