Ralph Samples: Obituary

Ralph Samples, 92, of Dawsonville passed away Wednesday October 2, 2019 at his residence following a period of declining health.
Born April 12, 1927 in Chamblee, Georgia to the late Newman and Julia Samples, he had lived in Dawson County since 1955. Mr. Samples retired as a mail carrier for the U. S. Postal Service following 36 years of service. Upon moving to Dawson County, he and his wife established a cattle and poultry farm but also grew seine and large vegetable gardens. Ralph enjoyed hunting, fishing, and stamp and coin collecting. He was a U. S. Navy veteran of WWII and was a member of McKee’s Chapel United Methodist Church. He was also preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Alice Samples; daughter, Virginia Shealy; grandson, Mikel Kollar; sister, Betty Jean; and brothers, Asa and W. Z. “Buck”.
Surviving are his children, Ray Samples, Dawsonville, Mary Samples Clayton, Douglasville, Margaret and Larry Kollar, Dawsonville; son in law, Stephen Shealy, Dawsonville; 10 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, and a number of other relatives.
Funeral services will be held Saturday October 5, 2019 at 11:30 a.m. at Bearden Funeral Home Chapel. Rev. Newman Samples will officiate. Interment will follow in the McKee’s Chapel United Methodist Church Cemetery.
The family will receive friends Friday from 3 until 8 at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the McKee’s Chapel United Methodist Church, 2754 Elliott Family Parkway, Dawsonville, GA 30534.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beardenfuneralhome.com.
Bearden Funeral Home, Dawsonville, GA.