Tyrone Samples was born in Huntsville, Alabama, where he remained a lifelong resident. He married his high school sweetheart, Carol Ann Cummings, and together they shared more than 55 years of marriage before her passing in 2012. They were blessed with three children, Mark (Darnee), Alice Bentley (Bryan), and Michael (Colleen). Ty adored his 13 grandchildren, Karen Leigh Farmer (Brandon), Caroline Gabig (Nick), Mary Katherine Samples, Jennifer Nees (Joey), Ty Samples (Morgan), Ivy Robinson (John), Cameron Quinlivan (Will), Justin Samples (Beth), Alex Samples (Brooke), Kyser Samples (Katherine), Jackson Samples (Abby), Bailey Henderson (Cherokee), and Luke Samples. He never missed an opportunity to cheer them on at milestones and athletic events. In the last 12 years, he was further blessed to know and love his 20 great-grandchildren.
A three-sport athlete at Huntsville High School, Ty went on to graduate from Auburn University, where he played basketball under the legendary coach Joel Eaves, a lifelong influence. Ty’s passion for sports extended into his role as a father, coaching all three of his children in basketball. Through those years, he touched many lives and built lasting friendships. His legacy of coaching continues through his children.
After beginning his career with Brown Engineering, Ty pursued his passion for commercial real estate. In the mid-1970s, he and Carol Ann founded Samples Properties, which became a cornerstone of his professional life.
Ty’s love of athletics remained constant. He was inducted into the inaugural class of the Madison County Athletic Hall of Fame, served as president of the Auburn Basketball Lettermen’s Club, and was a member of the Board of Directors of the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame.
A community leader and trusted friend to many, Ty was known for his generosity, integrity, and the deep relationships he built over a lifetime.
In recent years, Ty was blessed by the compassionate care and friendship of Sonya Maddox, her mother Hilda, and her husband, Ocie, for which his family will always be deeply grateful.
Ty will be remembered most for his unwavering love of family, his giving spirit, and his many accomplishments both on and off the court.
Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, September 5, 2025, at Laughlin Service Funeral Home. A graveside service will follow at 1:30 p.m. at Maple Hill Cemetery with the Rev. Wren Clanton officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Boys and Girls Club of North Alabama, PO Box 73, Huntsville, AL 35804 (https://www.bgcnal.com), or Valley United Methodist Church, 1410 Drake Avenue SE, Huntsville, AL 35802 (https://valleymethodist.org/).
