Joe Bob Sampson

Joe B Sampson, of Chattanooga, passed away on Thursday, May 11, 2017.  He graduated from high school in Memphis, TN.  He proudly served in the United States Marine Corp from 1958-1961.  He was employed with TVA for several years and later retired from East Brainerd Lumbar Co. 

A former Marine, he was a fighter like non-other!  Over the past 22 years he has had several surgeries and ailments but time and time again he has defied the odds.  He was always labeled “high risk” by his doctors but that never stopped him and rarely slowed him down.  He was a kind and gentle soul who had the patience of a saint.  He was meticulous and organized yet always willing to go with the flow and do everything that Judy said to do (and we all KNOW she told him to do plenty)! He enjoyed his evening toddy of scotch, working crossword puzzles in the newspaper and watching old movies.  You never had to wonder if he was at church because unless he was in the hospital, he was usually there…sitting in the same seat, arriving a good 30 min before the service started, and of course he was usually wearing ORANGE!  As you might imagine, his blood ran deep orange and his love for the Volunteers ran almost as deep as his love for Judy!  Together for 47 years, they were inseparable!  He was confident in his salvation and not afraid of dying, his only concern was leaving her behind.  He was a devoted and loving husband, a proud father, grandfather, great grandfather, great-great grandfather, and brother who will be GREATLY missed!  He lived a life of service and honor!  Ronald Reagan once said, “Some people spend an entire lifetime wondering if they made a difference in the world.  But, the Marines don’t have that problem.”  Rest in peach Umpah….until we all meet again! 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Margaret Sampson. 

He is survived by his wife, Judy Payne Sampson, two daughters Ann Gentry of Cartersville, GA, Carla Doub of Ooltewah, TN and son Jimmy Taylor of Chattanooga, TN, 11 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, and 6 great great grandchildren, sisters Carol Ray of El Mirage, AZ. and Gloria Stewart of Signal Mtn, TN and several nieces and nephews. 

A graveside funeral service will be held on Wed, May 17 at 3 PM at the Chattanooga National Cemetery with Rev. David Hall and Becky Hall officiating.  There will be no visitation at the funeral home. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to Hospice of Chattanooga, 4411 Oakwood Dr. Chattanooga, TN 37416 or Christ United Methodist Church, 8645 E. Brainerd Rd Chattanooga, TN 37421.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Janice Pelham, Jaqueline Stovall and Minu Philipose of Hospice of Chattanooga for their loving care. 

Please visit www.heritagechattanooga.com to share words of comfort to the family. Arrangements by Heritage Funeral Home, 7454 E. Brainerd Rd.  

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