James “Jay” Presley Samples, 94, of Westfield, died May 2, 2014. Born Aug. 18, 1919 in Pinkneyville, Ga., he was the son of Mark and Lessie McMahan Samples.
He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy having served during World War II. He was a graduate of Stetson University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He and wife, Bea, served together in Christian ministry in what was at that time, territory of Alaska then later in Virgina. After moving to Naples, Fla. in 1969, he worked as a Regional Supervisor for Southwest Florida Water Management before retiring in 1987. They moved to Westfield in 2005 to be near family. He enjoyed telling stories to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren of his growing up years. He also enjoyed gardening, fishing and woodworking.
Survivors include his daughter, Jamie (Jim) Burroughs; son, Mark Samples; grandchildren, Nichole (Brett) Hansen, Ashley (Edward) Ingle, Jacquelyn (David) Warne and Charles Burroughs; great-grandchildren, Jacob Ingle, Luke Hansen, Abby Ingle and Blake Hansen; siblings, Clois Kirkpatrick, Monroe Samples and Maurice Samples.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Beatrice “Bea” Samples; infant son, Wayne; and brothers, Frankie Samples and Huland Samples.
A graveside service will be held at 2:30 p.m. May 7 in Carmel Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to First Baptist Church (Missionary Fund), 1010 E. 126th St., Carmel, 46033.
Arrangements and care entrusted to Bussell Family Funerals, Carmel/Westfield.
