Thomas Jay Sampson

October 10, 1917 ~ May 15, 2007
Resided in:
Leicester, NC
Thomas Jay Sampson, 89, of Leicester, passed away on Tuesday, May 15, 2007, at Aston Park Nursing Facility following a long period of declining health.
Mr. Sampson was born October 1, 1917 in Young Harris, GA, and was the son of the late Thomas D. and Emma Shook Sampson.
He was retired from Sayles Biltmore Bleachery with 37 years of service. He has been a devoted member of Zion Hill Baptist Church for more than 70 years and was a former Deacon and Sunday School teacher.
In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by two brothers, Lester Sampson and Charlie Sampson, and three sisters, Leah Henson, Eunice Mahaffey, and Willa Duncan.
He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Lazelle Matthews Sampson; one brother, Vernon Sampson, of North Kingstown, RI; two daughters and their husbands, Leta Murphy and Paul, of Morganton, and Jean Vierra and Marvin of Arden; one son, Bill Sampson and wife Freda, of Leicester; seven grandsons, Barry Murphy and wife Crystal, of Hickory, Randy Murphy of Valdese, Chris Vierra and wife Katherine, of Hendersonville, Tommy Vierra, also of Hendersonville, Jason and Baron Sampson, both of Leicester, and Steven Sampson and wife Emily, of Asheville.
A funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m. Saturday at Zion Hill Baptist Church with the Revs. Bobby Smith and nephew Jerry Worley officiating. Interment will follow in the church’s cemetery.
His family will receive friends 7-8:30 p.m. Friday at Groce Funeral Home on Patton Ave.
Flowers are appreciated and memorial contributions may be made to the Zion Hill Baptist Church Senior Citizen Group.
I am sorry to here of Jays passing away It has been several years since I have saw any one We used to see Jay and Lazale When used to go to Grovers and Rellas once agian my condolances to to you during this time May God be with you and comfort each one during this time Herbert and Doyle Frisbee
We remember T. J. as a kind, sweet man who always smiled and the amazing thing about him he never aged! We wish to extend our condolence to T. J’s family. We all cherish his memory.
Our thoughts are with you at this time. Sorry for your loss.
I am so sorry for your loss. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Lazelle, We are so sorry to hear of T J’s death. You and the family have our deepest sympathy at this difficult time.
Jean & Bill Brookshire
I am sorry for your loss. I am the daughter of Thomas Donald Sampson, T.J.’s nephew. My thoughts are with the family at this sad time.
Lazelle and family, we are sorry to hear about T.J. passing. He was a wonderful man with such a sweet, sweet spirit. He will be missed by all. He is waiting for all of us in Heaven and what a wonderful day it will be to all gather in heaven and rejoice with our wonderful and precious Savior and our loved ones. You all are in our thoughts and prayers. May the Lord comfort you all in your time of loss. Shannon, Lora, Pressley and Andrew Morgan
You all are in our thoughts and prayers. Uncle Jay was a special man and will be missed alot. Our love to all the family.
Lucy, Sherry and family
We are very sorry for your loss. Leta, you and your family are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Jean, I have fond memories of your family and going home with you after church on Sunday.
My prayers are with you all.
We are very sorry to hear about the loss of TJ. I am the daughter of Jeanette Sampson Butts. Lester was her father. I remember seeing TJ several times through the years and couldn’t help but wonder what my grandfather might have looked like in person. Life hands us many joys and trials, but God is always there to see us through them.
May His love continue to carry you now and throughout the coming days.
Sorry to hear of TJ’S passing. I remenber him as a quite easy going man who loved the Lord. Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this time. Jerry and Joann Cole
Aunt Lazelle,
Its been close to 25 years since I last saw you and Uncle Jay.I came out with Aunt Donna to help take care of papaw when he was so sick.I was bitterly ashamed that I was pregnant and unmarried at the time and so sorely afraid that granny and papaw would find out but you and uncle jay treated me so kindly.To this day I haven’t forgotten that.You all didn’t have to do that.You and Aunt Donna were beacons of light for me lights glowing at the end of a dark tunnel for a young girl that otherwise had no female guidance to turn to and I thank God daily that you were there for me.Then granny came down to my house and stayed for a few days.Those were some of the best most learned days of my early adulthood. I know Uncle Jay is up there looking down on us right now smiling just waiting for all of us to join him when our time comes. I can see him right now talking with papaw and granny.Most of all rejoicing with our Savior. My prayers are with you always.
Sharon Freeman Pace
Lazelle,
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. I know how deeply you will miss your TJ.
I look forward to seeing you in December when I am in the states on furlough.
My love to you and the family,
Pat Ball