Robert Lee Sample
Robert Lee Sample was born in Seminole, Gaines County, Texas on August 30, 1964 to William Earl “Jelly” and Kiyoko Hoshino Sample. The youngest of eight, he was the bridge in a blended family. His wonder about the world would take him on long walks and discussions with Daddy, often going on the mail route with the mailman, or down the alleys in the neighborhood to visit the dogs in the backyards. He ruined every tv show and movie by either asking questions or explaining what was happening. He tired everyone with his constant questioning why or how, or telling obscure facts he had read. While roasted weenies and French fries were his favorite foods, they took a backseat when he discovered pizza. Robert once said his greatest accomplishment in childhood was learning to read.
A graduate of Seminole High School, he attended NMJC and Texas
Tech. He spent 20 years working in the technology industry in Dallas and Atlanta for Microsoft and himself. Leaving the high pressured, fast paced, concrete jungles, Robert placed himself in nature near water and the peaceful surroundings of northern Georgia, Virginia and Florida. There he remained elusive, indulged his curiosity of the world, nourished his passion of reading, and continued his love of pizza.
Robert officially left this earth on December 27, 2018 in Sarasota, Florida of accidental drowning. For those allowed into the realms of his life, Robert Lee Sample will never be fully understood, but will always be a loved and cherished legend.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents, brother Joe Bill Sample, sister Lily Sue Sample, and nephew Trey Jones.
He is survived by brothers Yul Jones, Jr. (Aurora) of Lubbock, James Jones (Doris) of Seminole, Earl Sample of De Leon and Eric Hunke (Bridget), of Valparaiso, Florida, sisters Bobbie Podrazik (Mike) of Midland, Edna Faye Runkel of Andrews and Vickie Taylor (Earnie) of Seminole, step-brother Chet Sample (Belinda) of San Angelo and his “adopted” family of Peter and Tina Anzo of Lake Burton, Georgia, 20 nieces and nephews and a growing number of great-nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held in Lake Burton, Georgia in the Spring and a graveside memorial service was held at 10:00 AM, Saturday, June 29, 2019, Gaines County Cemetery South, Seminole.
