Donald Lafayette Sample Sr.

Donald Lafayette Sample, Sr., age 92, of Hoover, Alabama went to be with the Lord on November 4, 2023.  He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather and will be greatly missed.

Donald (Don) was married to the late Bobbie Lee Sample for 69 years.  Together they established a home rooted in faith with their 3 children. They were members at South Roebuck Baptist Church for many years. In their later years, he and Bobbie were members at Green Valley Baptist Church and spent countless hours quietly serving in the Clothes Closet Ministry.

Don was a 35-year employee of Thompson Tractor Company. He began his career as an accountant, worked his way up to manager of the Accounting Department and by the end of his career he was Secretary/Controller of the company. Don loved his work there and considered his employees as a second family. Because of this he instilled the values of hard work and loyalty in his children. Don was also a veteran who served in the military from 1953 to 1955, spending one year in Korea.  Don will be remembered as a great husband and father.  He and Bobbie were constant supporters of any activity that involved their children and grandchildren.  Don and Bobbie were inseparable and set a great example of what a happy marriage and happy family should look like.  They loved their frequent trips to the beach and occasional trips to the mountains.  Don, a self-made handyman, firmly believed nothing should be replaced until he had tried to fix it himself.  His family will always be thankful for the love and devotion he had for Bobbie, faithfully taking care of her until her death 7 months ago.

Don, also known as PawPaw, will be greatly missed by his three children, four grandchildren and soon to be four great-grandchildren. Don is preceded in death by his spouse, Bobbie Sample, his parents, Russell and Nellie Sample, and his sister, Nell Vann. He is survived by his children, Donny (Allison) Sample, Kathy (Hal) Wadsworth and David (Lisa) Sample, his grandchildren, Chris (Megan) Wadsworth, Michael (Madison) Wadsworth, Clay Jones and Abby Jones, and his great-grandchildren, Camille Wadsworth, Mason Wadsworth, Daniel Wadsworth, and baby Wadsworth (February).

The family will be holding a private service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Big Oak Ranch.