Tommy Samples

September 11, 2009

POWELL, Tenn. — Thomas Eugene  Samples , 72, of Powell, born Oct. 6, 1936 in Kingsport passed away peacefully Sept. 11, 2009, after an extended illness at his home with family.

He was of the Baptist faith. Tommy graduated from Lynn View High School, Kingsport in 1956. He was a member of the Powell Masonic Lodge #582 where he served as Worshipful Master for the 2008 term. He was a loyal Mason for 38 years. He was a York Rite and Scottish Rite Mason. Tommy was also a member of the Kerbela Temple. He loved driving the van to various Shriner’s hospitals transporting sick and crippled children. Tommy served in the U.S. Army in the late 1950s. He retired from Knoxville News Sentinel as a pressman after 21 years of service. Tommy was an avid UT football fan and golfer. He thoroughly enjoyed working crossword puzzles and working on stained glass.

He is preceded in death by his parents James and Lola Mae  Samples ; brother, Jimmy; and sister, Gladys.

He will be sadly missed by loving wife and best friend of 47 years, Maria  Samples . He leaves behind his children, son, Todd and wife Karen, son, Kevin; and two daughters, Teri and Amy, who will sadly miss him. He also leaves his five grandchildren, Christina, Neyland, Katie, Jonathon and Joshua; his sister, Geneva King; several nieces and nephews; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Denise and Bob Walker; brother- in-law, Jeff Collins; his beloved and loyal dog, Josie; two granddogs, Tate and Gizmo; and many friends who knew and will sadly miss him. Tommy never had a bad thing to say about anyone.

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at Weaver Funeral Home, Knoxville, with service to follow at 8 p.m. with Dr. Thomas Sweet officiating.

Family and friends will meet 11:15 a.m. Tuesday at East Tennessee Veterans Cemetery for an 11:30 a.m. interment.

The Honor Guard will serve as pallbearers.

Donations may be made in memory of Tommy  Samples  to Shriner’s Hospital for Crippled Children, Kerbela Temple, 315 Mimosa Ave., Knoxville, Tenn., 37920.

You are invited to share your memories of Tommy at his memorial website www.mem.com.

Arrangements made by Weaver Funeral Home, Knoxville.

Shirley Steffey (Lane)

January 18, 1962

Kingsport -- Funeral services for Mrs. Shirley Ann Lane, 24, 1110 Delrose Drive, who died Thursday (Jan. 18, 1962) after a brief illness, will be held Saturday in Vermont Methodist Church.

Rev. Ogleva Street will officiate.  Burial will b in East Lawn Memorial Park.

Pallbearers will be: Marvin C. Hagey, Walter Carmack, William Carmack, Nick Williams, P. G. Fisher, B. H. Sims, Ralph Wilson and T.J. Gilmore.

The body was to be transferred from Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home to the home of her parents, 839 Howard Hill Road at 2 p.m. today.  It will be taken to the church one hour before the funeral.