William David Sample, nature lover, lay minister, storyteller, instructor, hunter, Christ follower, fisherman, Army Veteran, music aficionado, writer, Fisheries Biologist, poet, patriot, friend, and father, passed on into peace on Father’s Day, June 17, 2018. A memorial will be held at Elkins Funeral Home Saturday June 23, 2018 from 1:00 P.M. till 2:30 P.M.
David was born in Sheffield, Alabama on July 23, 1947. He graduated from Sheffield and went on to graduate from Auburn University with a degree in Fisheries Biology. David served as a lay minister at Rhodesville Methodist Church with his, then wife, Carolyn Sample, and his daughter,Jodi Sample, in the pews with him every Sunday of his term there. After David’s Fisheries Biology career he was a caregiver and friend to both William “Chicken” Owen Foster, until “Chicken’s” passing, then to Roberta Shinglebar until his terminal cancer diagnosis.
Nature and music ran than through David’s veins and his stories and verse moved many to tears or fits of laughter over the years. David was a man of many words with a heart full of God. One of his final “stories” on his deathbed was the following, “Why did the chicken cross the road? To show the possum and the armadillo that it could be done.” His, now published, words help showcase his uniqueness and light even in the midst of tragedy. The world has lost an amazing character, friend, and most importantly, father. David has found his peace with his Heavenly Father and will be missed.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Curt’s Closet at P.O. Box 942 Cullman, Alabama 35056. The daughter also request that if you wish to plant a tree in his memory please do so.
Elkins Funeral Home invites you to leave your condolences at www.elkinsfuneralhome.com
