Michael Kent Sample

SAMPLE Michael "Mickey" Kent Sample, passed away unexpectedly on September 12, 2012 at the age of 69. He is preceded in death by his parents Irwood "I.B." and Mary (Beasley) Sample, and brother Merrill. Mickey was born in Peru, IN and later moved to Grove City where he attended Grove City High School and later graduated from Hesser College. After serving in the U.S. Army he returned home and followed in his father's career path into the Thoroughbred racing industry. Mickey held many titles in racing from breaking horses to becoming a racing official. He devoted his life to the love of thoroughbred racing, working in the Midwest and East and ending his career as the Kentucky Chief State Steward where he had the privilege of officiating the esteemed Kentucky Derby. After retiring in 2006 he discovered a passion for gardening and his love of red roses. Mickey was the "GO TO" guy in the family; no job too big or too small for his undertaking and carpentry skills. He lived live with a mantra of fairness and honesty, and above all else he was one of the last true gentlemen. He was handsome with a smile that would melt your heart and confident and meticulous in his appearance and in the way he lived his life. There was a presence about him that you could "feel" him walk into a room without him ever speaking a word. Mickey was a steel giant, but had a heart of gold. He was a loving, caring, loyal husband, father, brother, uncle, and FRIEND to many. His mischievous smile and silent chuckles will be missed and remembered by all who knew him everyday forward. Survived by his beloved wife, Karale (Wright) Sample; the pride and joy of his life - son, Mark; loving sister, Marilyn (Ronald) Molchan; three wonderful nieces, great-nieces great nephews and his new 4 legged little girl Maggie May who will be forever missing him. Per Mick's wishes he was cremated and a Memorial service is planned for Friday, September 21, 3 p.m. at First Christian Church, 330 Indiana Ave, Chester WV, in the church where we were married. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to The American Heart Association, PO Box 15120, Chicago, IL 60693, 800-242-8721 or to Capital Area Humane Society, 3015 Scioto Darby Executive Ct., Hilliard, OH 43026 or cash-pets.org. "The day my final race is run And, win or lose, the sinking sun Tells me it 's time to quit the track, And gracefully hang up my tack I'll thank the Lord the life I've led Was always near a Thoroughbred." Arrangements completed with THE SPENCE-MILLER FUNERAL HOME, Grove City. Online guestbook at www.spencemillerfuneralhome.com