John Robert Samples

John Robert Samples, 66, Johnson City passed away unexpectedly Monday, September 18, 2017 in the Johnson City Medical Center. He was a native of Newport, TN and was the son of the late Hollie and Rebecca Black Samples. John was raised in the Laurels community and was a graduate of Happy Valley High School and the University of Tennessee where he majored in Mechanical Engineering. He had worked as a mechanical engineer for years in Alabama, Georgia and North Carolina before moving back to Johnson City in 2015 after retirement. John was a member of the First Baptist Church of Snellville, GA. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Patti Samples in 2011; a daughter, Amanda Samples; two brothers, Charles Samples and Hollie Creed Samples; a brother-in-law, Tom Whittemore; a niece, Diane Whittemore and a nephew, Leonard Head. Survivors include a daughter, Ginger Samples Tucker and her fiancAC., Henry Strunk of Mooresville, NC; a grandson, Noah Tucker; three sisters, Shelby Head of Jonesborough, Betty Whittemore Austin and husband, Julian of Marion, NC and Sarah Samples Zimmern and husband, Wayne Gentry of Johnson City; an aunt, Pauline Linville of Unicoi; a sister-in-law, Sharon Samples of Johnson City; special friends, Ron Zimmern and Steven Carroll of Johnson City; also several nieces, nephews and cousins. Graveside services for John will be conducted at 2:30 PM Friday, September 22, 2017 in the Roselawn Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends at Appalachian Funeral Home, 800 E. Watauga Avenue, Johnson City from 1:00 until 2:00 PM then go in procession to the cemetery. Pallbearers will be selected from family and friends. In lieu of flowers the family suggests that contributions be made to the funeral home to help with funeral expenses. Condolences may be made online at www.wadugger.com. Arrangements by Woodall-Anderson and Dugger Funeral Home, 108 W. Watauga Avenue, Johnson City. 423-928-2245 Visitation: Friday 1:00 to 2:00 PM Appalachian Funeral Home Services: Graveside Service - Roselawn Cemetery Interment: Friday 2:30 PMRead Obituary