Joe Mems Samples

Joe Mems Samples, 86, of White Pine, TN passed away September 18, 2012 from injuries sustained in a vehicle accident. Joe was one of twelve children born to the late Tosh and Bernice Samples. It was with his father that he found his calling in life which was to provide people with one of God's most precious resources - water. Joe started drilling water wells for his father several years before he started Joe Samples Well Drilling in 1954. While drilling a well in Sevier County, Joe met his soon-to-be bride Velma (Denton). He was soon drafted to serve aboard the naval vessel USS Dickens in WWII. He and Velma wrote letters while he was away and married upon his return. Survived and grieving their loss is his wife of 64 years Velma; daughter, Pat Lane and Doug; son, Rickey Samples and Debbie; grandsons, Brian and Dara, Jared and Summer, and Darin and Hannah Lane. His three grandsons never doubted their Papaw's love for them because the greatest gift he ever gave them was his time. Adults ceased to exist to Joe when children were in his presence, This was especially true for his great grandchildren who were certainly the apple of his eye. Caleb Joseph, Hudson Henry, Marley Kate and another special miracle due 2013 will forever be incomplete without their best friend and Papaw. Receiving of friends and funeral service will be held at Leadvale Baptist Church, Saturday, September 22, 2012 from 4 - 6 pm with service at 6:00 pm. Special nephew Rev. Mike Grebenik of Colorado Springs, CO and Rev. Charlie Harkleroad, pastor of Leadvale Baptist Church, will be officiating. Graveside interment service will be held on Sunday, September 23 at 2pm in Dandridge Memorial Gardens, leaving Farrar Funeral Home, White Pine at 1:30pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Leadvale Baptist Church Parking Lot Fund, in care of: Leadvale Baptist Church, 874 Leadvale Church Road, White Pine, TN 37890. Pallbearers are Brian, Jared, and Darin Lane, Jason Barnard, Harry Burns, and Jeff Clingner. Arrangements by Farrar Funeral Home in White Pine, 865-674-2441