THEODORE R. SAMPLE
THEODORE R. SAMPLE went home to be with our Lord and Savior JESUS on Tuesday, January 24, 2012. “To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under the heaven” Ecclesiastes 3:1 Today we gather to acknowledge and celebrate the new life unto which Theodore R. Sample, Sr. has entered; and eternal life in the presence of his God and Lord; his creator. A Time To Be Born- Ecclesiastes 3:2 Theodore R. Sample was born on April 1, 1931 in Hacksneck, Virginia. He was the son of the late John Sample and Daisy Sample. Theodore was the sixth of eight siblings. He was a caring, supportive, warm and loving brother. A Time To Be Trained-Proverbs 22:6 Theodore attended Mary N. Smith High School in Accomac, Virginia, then left to complete his education in the United States Air Force. He was a dedicated student all of his life and went on to obtain his Bachelors degree at Strayer University, D.C. He studied and read scripture regularly. A Time To Be Saved-John 30:3 He was nurture in a Christian home by his family. Theodore accepted our Lord and savior JESUS at an early age joining Jerusalem Baptist Church, Temperanceville, VA. He believed strongly in his faith and practiced Christianity as the head of his household and in everyday life. He attended Chapel 1 AAFB and joined his wife at Shaw United Methodist Church. A Time To Love-Exodus 21:5 June 7, 1956 marked the day when Theodore and Emily entered into holy matrimony. God allowed them to spend nearly fifty-six years of wedded bliss. Out of this union they were blessed with two children, Theodore, Jr. and Kevin Benjamin. Theodore was not only a devoted husband to Emily and father but also a loving grandfather, friend, and confidant to many. He also was the father of Beverly, Kevin, Janet and Janice. He would go on to love and touch the lives of these children who loved and respected him dearly and would often come by to visit him and his family right up to his death. He was a family man. A Time To Labor-Genesis 3:19 & Matthew 20:25 Theodore served in the United States Air Force and Army for 22 years. He served his country honorably and with valor, throughout our country and abroad. He served in foreign lands, Korea, England, Germany, Turkey, Italy, and France. He was awarded numerous awards for his service and commitment to safety and security of our country. Following his military service, he served in the U.S. Government at the Securities and Exchange Commission as a financial examiner. Theodore had a very full and enjoyable life that included blessed times with his family and friends. He always lent a helping hand to anyone in need for he was a strong believer that we are Christians here to serve. “To be great you must first be a servant.” He served as a mentor to many and continued life’s lessons to his children and family up until his death. He was a man with a heart of gold, who never met a stranger and who always greeted you with a smile, a handshake, and a kind word. A Time To Be With The Lord-Numbers 23:10 Theodore will sorely be missed by all of those who knew him and loved him. His guidance and strength will no longer be a part of our day-to-day reality. However, the legacy of love and happy memories that he created will remain in our hearts forever. We thank God for his blessings and the opportunity that we had to love and cherish him in our lives. Theodore Sample, the beloved family man, friend and loving brother, leaves to cherish his memory: his devoted wife, Emily; his loving children, Theodore Jr., Kevin B., Veverly, Janet and Janice; brothers, Ben Sample and Marvin Parker; sisters, Mae Ethel Sample and Viola Fields; sisters-in-law, Elaine Weatherly, Audrey Wharton and Priscilla Hicks; brother-in-law, Benjamin Wharton; best friends, Harold Lessene, John Loftland; nine grandchildren; nurses, Ms. Tiwanna Bolden, Ms. Fatou Sallah; and a host of other relatives, nephews, nieces, and friends.
