Mark Russell "Russ" Samples

Mark Russell "Russ" Samples, 87, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday, June 23, 2015 in Port Orange, FL after complications from hip surgery. He was born in Bomont, Clay County, WV on Oct. 10, 1927. He was a graduate of Clay High School. At age 21 he moved to Charleston, WV and began a 37 year career with Union Carbide as a chemist. He lived in Nitro, WV from 1956 until 1988 when he moved to Daytona Beach, FL with his wife Beatrice "Bea" Drake Samples to live out a lifelong dream. After his death of his first wife Bea of 47 years in 1997, he reunited with his childhood sweetheart Sharon King Settle. They were married July 4, 2000 and enjoyed 15 wonderful years together. Russ was a kind, gentle, and loving man. He was also an accomplished photographer and stained glass artist. He was a church deacon, young adult Sunday School teacher, member of Daytona Beach Drive In Christian Church, missionary to Cuba in the late 1950's, Korean War Army veteran, and a Masonic Lodge member. He lived his dream and loved his family, his church, and the Lord Jesus Christ. He is predeceased by his father Clarence W. Samples, mother Dora Caldwell Samples, younger brother Robert Samples, and first wife Bea Samples. He is survived by his wife Sharon King Settle Samples of Port Orange, FL, sons Mark A. Samples and wife Julie of Lewisburg, WV, and Dr. Jon Steven Samples of New Smyrna Beach, FL, granddaughters Courtney Tracy of Proctorville, Ohio, Stephanie Samples and Chrissy Samples of Orlando, FL, and great-grandchildren Gabe and Abby Tracy of Proctorville, Ohio. The family would like to thank Grace Manor Port Orange, FL for their loving care and support. Russ's funeral service will be 12:30 p.m. Friday, June 26, 2015 at Volusia Memorial Funeral Home in Port Orange, FL with burial services following at Volusia Memorial Park Ormond Beach at 2 p.m.