Robert Ray Samples

Robert Ray Samples, 92, died on 12 March 2023 at CAMC.  He was born 19 August 1930 to William and Zelma Burnette Samples in Charleston and lived here until he joined the US Army in 1946.  He was assigned to the 187 Glider Infantry, 11^th Airborne Division, during the Occupation of Japan. 

Bob was an accomplished boxer in his youth.  He started as a welterweight on the Army Boxing and was a three time WV Golden Gloves champion after he was discharged in 1948.  

Bob graduated from Charleston High School in 1950 and Morris Harvey College in 1954.  He married Charlotte Fulton in 1953 at the Baptist Temple and had two sons, Mark and Brett.  

He moved his family to Alexandria VA in 1966 to work for the Federal Government.  Bob and Charlotte spent six years in Frankfurt Germany and he was awarded the Intelligence Commendation Medal for outstanding service.  He and his wife returned to Charleston in 1992 after they retired.

Bob is survived by his brother Carl, one son, Mark and two grandchildren by his deceased son, Brett.  These two grandchildren, Brittany and Bobby, live in KY.  His beloved wife, Charlotte, died in 2015.

His funeral will be held at the Bible Center Church on 18 April 2023 at 1 PM.