GEORGE SAMKO

George Samko passed to be with our heavenly Father on Friday, Jan. 10, 2013, surrounded by family in his hometown of Hopewell, Va.

Known as "Lefty" or "Sammie" to all who knew him, he was immediately embraced by those he met with his wit, wisdom and stories of his life and adventures. Many will warmly remember his phrase "Got you covered, Sporty." He proudly served active duty in both World War II and Korea, first in the U.S. Army and then in the U.S. Marine Corps. He remained active in veteran's activities and continued to support veteran-related charities. A builder and inventor at heart, and a welder by trade, his love was his work. He was employed by Hummell Ross in 1943 and continued at the paper mill through several transitions to what is now Rock Tenn. He remained employed as a foreman in the woodyard of the papermill for 71 years, an accomplishment he was most proud of. He was actively working and employed with Rock Tenn at the time of his passing. He enjoyed wrestling, boxing and fishing and hunting with his family and friends. An avid dancer, he would dance the night away with his wife of 54 years, the late Margaret Pearson Samko.

Born Dec. 26, 1925, to John Samko and Barbara Nosal Samko, he had nine brothers and sisters. He will continue to be forever remembered by his daughter, Lorraine Samko, and her loving companion, James Noll; his grandson, Jeremiah Samko-Snellings; his sister, Julia Akeman and her children, Raymond Powell and family, Rachael Beale and family, and Nancy Stanley and family; his sisters, Mary Wray and Elizabeth Swimelar; and his life family and neighbors, John and Apryl Beasley.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2014, at the Hopewell Chapel of J.T.Morriss & Son Funeral Home and Cremation Service. A service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2014, at the chapel, followed by a gravesite memorial at Bermuda Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior project or a military service veteran's charity of choice. Condolences may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com.