Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. today with full Masonic Rites for Billy Frank Samples, 71, Southside, who died Wednesday, July 2, 2014. The Rev. Bob Thornton will officiate. Burial will be in Crestwood Cemetery. Crestwood Funeral Home is in charge of services.
Billy joined the Boy Scouts of America, achieving the rank of Eagle Scout in 1957. He was a 1961 graduate of Gadsden High School, later joining the United States Army, and served in Special Operations Forces in Vietnam. He became a Southern Baptist ordained minister and achieved 32nd degree Scottish Rites Mason and served as Past Master of Cedar Bend Lodge No. 583 F&AM. Mr. Samples also volunteered with Carpenters For Christ, MANNA and coached football at Disque Jr. High, Westbrook Christian School and also served as a defensive coach for the Alabama Raiders.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Estelle Samples; sisters, Sue Vinson and Mary Gail Samples.
He is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Peggy Sosebee Samples; and numerous nieces and nephews; special nephew and namesake, Billy Helms; and his faithful loving companion, his pet dog, Prissy.
Pallbearers will be Masons.
Special thanks to family and friends and church families who were there when we needed them.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home today from 1 p.m. until the time of service.