Samuel E. Cueford, "Cue", 104, was born February 22, 1908 in Kershaw, SC, the oldest child of seven boys and eight girls born to Johnnie C. and Marie Griffin Buffert. He departed his earthly life on Tuesday, January 22, 2013 at Trinity Glen Nursing Home after a short stay.

Mr. Cueford described himself as being an "adventurous youngster" who struck out on his own at the age of 13, riding the rails with the older men from state to state, working wherever jobs were available. In essence, he was a self-taught, self-made, responsible individual "Cue" resided in Alexandria, VA, Washington, DC, and finally New York City where he lived for many years before retiring and moving to Winston-Salem, NC. While in New York, Mr. Cueford worked as a chef for many years in the Harlem vicinity, cooking for private parties, church affairs, at restaurants, clubs, even as head chef at a restaurant owned by Sidney Poitier. As a result of his vocation, he met and associated with many of the legendary Black entertainers of the past.

Community service was also an important aspect of his life. He continued this once he arrived in Winston-Salem, receiving several awards from community service organizations. Cue didn't have a problem reporting illegal activities to the authorities, or calling to task city agencies he felt were not doing their jobs. He believed a clean, safe neighborhood environment was the responsibility of every citizen living in a community.


Mr. Cueford is survived by three children, Audrey Riley of New York, NY, Samuel Cueford (Rhonda) of Raleigh, NC, and Kathy Meyers of New York, NY; 7 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; his sister, Viola Pollock; a very devoted friend, Leeanna Lee; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 12noon Monday, January 28, 2013 at the Russell Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. The family visitation will be held from 11:30am until 12noon on Monday at the Chapel.
The family wishes to express their appreciation to Forest Heights Assisted Living Community, Novant Medical Center Palliative Care Unit, and Trinity Glen Nursing Facility for the care given to Mr. Cueford.