David Lee Samples, 85, of Gassaway passed away on Tuesday, November 22, 2022 at home surrounded by his family due to an extended illness. His last hours were spent in the care of his precious son and daughter-in-law, Davy and Rozanne, who never left his side.

He was born August 6, 1937 in Strange Creek, WV to the late Lanty and Violet Hall Samples.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Allan Wayne Samples; first wife, Sharon Adkins Samples; second wife, Maxine Friend Arnold Samples; brother, Nolan Samples; step grandson, John Forbush; step daughter, Maria Arnold; sister-in-law, Agnes Samples; and brother-in-law, Neil Hall.

Dave enjoyed riding motorcycles and gardening.  He was a retired coal miner for several companies.  In Indianapolis, Indiana he worked for Lake Central Airlines for several years. Also, he was the first of three generations to be in the aviation field.  He owned, repaired and flew his own J-3 Piper Cub Plane.  In his retirement he was a carpenter and deer hunter. He was an ingenious person who could do anything that he set his mind to.  He loved his Lord and was a member at Hope Baptist Church.

Dave leaves behind his son, David Lee Samples, Jr. “Davy” and wife, Rozanne, of Mooresville, Indiana; grandson, Dustin Michael Samples and wife, Donna, of John’s Island, South Carolina; wife of 16 years, Ruth Ann Furby Samples of Gassaway; step grandson, William Forbush (Trinity Bancroft); step daughter, Shelly Stewart; step granddaughter, Ashley James (Rob); step grandson, Jay Brinson (Maddy); brothers, Mick (Donna), Charles (Joyce), Keith (Sue), and Ron Samples; sisters, Lorena Hall, Denise Lemon (Roy), Lisa Ware (Rusty); stepsons, David Arnold and his daughter, Adrienne, Daniel Arnold (Tammy) and their children, Seth and Danielle ; stepdaughter, Marcy Arnold Lane; step granddaughters, Nikki and  Kayla; step grandsons, Caleb and Ryan; sister-in-law, Penny Samples; several nieces and nephews and great grandchildren.

He will be missed by those who loved him and a host of friends.

Dave chose to be cremated and a gathering of family and friends will be from 9 to 11 A. M. Friday, December 2, 2022 at Hope Baptist Church, Frametown.

His Memorial Service will follow at 11 A.M. at the church with Reverend Rich Demastus officiating.

The family would like to thank HospiceCare, Inc. of Charleston, Dr. Darla Gant and all family and friends that assisted with his care, including Lucy Tedder and Brenda Weitzel, the family could not have done this without them.

Words of comfort and fond memories may be extended to the family at www.roachfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements by Roach Funeral Home, Gassaway.