June 20, 2026, 80, Goldsboro – Samuel Richard Narron, 80, of Goldsboro, North Carolina, entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior on June 20, 2026. Born on October 30, 1945, Richard, known as “Rooster,” lived a life defined by faith, family, service, entrepreneurship, and enduring love of baseball. He was the son of the late Sam and Susie Narron and was preceded in death by his beloved sister, Rebecca Murphy. Rooster is survived by his devoted wife, Robin Cauthorne Narron; his son, Samuel Franklin Narron and wife Aaron Thorpe Narron, and their children, Lillie Scott Narron and Samuel Thomas (“Trey”) Narron; and his daughter, Virginia Narron Wilkins and husband Riley Wilkins, and their children, Eleanor Belle Wilkins and Charles Winston Wilkins.
A gifted athlete from an early age, Rooster attended Corinth Holders and Goldsboro High School. Following his graduation, he attended East Carolina University on a full baseball scholarship. There, he became East Carolina’s first baseball All-American, beginning a distinguished athletic career that would leave a lasting impact on the university and the sport he loved. Following college, he played several seasons of professional baseball in the New York Mets and Baltimore Orioles organizations. In recognition of his remarkable achievements and contributions to athletics, Rooster was inducted into the East Carolina University Athletic Hall of Fame, the Johnston County Athletic Hall of Fame, and the George Whitfield Hall of Fame. Following his baseball career, Rooster brought the same dedication and passion to business. In 1973, he co-founded Sportsman’s World, a sporting goods store that became a fixture in the community.
For 46 years, he proudly co-owned and operated the business, serving generations of customers and helping foster a love of sports throughout the region. Rooster also served his country in the North Carolina National Guard during the late 1960s. He was an active member of St. Paul Methodist Church and was involved in numerous civic and professional organizations, including the Golden K and the Professional Baseball Representatives. He was also a member, of over 50 years, of Archer Lodge #165 AF&AM Masonic Lodge. He was especially proud of his role in helping reignite the Goldsboro Hot Stove League, ensuring opportunities for young athletes and helping keep baseball thriving in the community he loved. Beyond his accomplishments, Rooster will be remembered for his generous spirit, quick wit, and genuine love for people. Whether tending a garden and sharing its harvest with friends and neighbors, teaching the game of baseball to anyone eager to learn, or enjoying bird hunting in his younger years and deer hunting later in life, he approached life with enthusiasm and gratitude. His sharp sense of humor and willingness to help others left a lasting impression on all who knew him.
A visitation will be held on Monday, June 29, 2026, at Parrish Funeral Home beginning at 10:00 a.m., followed by a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. A graveside service will follow at Antioch Baptist Church Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Cures for the Colors, c/o Southeastern Cancer Care, 203 Cox Boulevard, Goldsboro, NC 27534. southeasterncancercare.org
Rooster’s legacy lives on in the family he cherished, the community he served, the athletes he inspired, and the countless friendships he cultivated throughout his life. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Thank you to everyone who has shared their love, prayers, and support with our family. Your kindness and compassion have brought us comfort and mean more than words can express. We are deeply grateful.
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