Phillip Charles "Buck" Samples Sr.

Phillip Charles Samples Sr. was born on August 29, 1952, to the late Bennie and Essie Samples in Kilgore, Texas.He transitioned peacefully on November 19, 2025.

Charles, as he was affectionately known, was a proud lifelong resident of Kilgore. He received his education in the Kilgore School District, graduating from Kilgore High School.

In 1977, Charles married the love of his life, Diffen Kennedy Samples. Their union was blessed with three beloved children: Temeka, Phillip Jr., and Ebony.

Charles accepted Christ at an early age, joining Kilgore Baptist Church and later becoming a faithful member of Bethany Word of Life Tabernacle in Tyler, Texas.

He later moved his family to Dallas, where he dedicated many years of service as a faithful employee of Alumat and the Dallas Independent School District. Following his retirement, he returned to his beloved hometown of Kilgore, where he remained until his death.

A devoted fan of the San Francisco 49ers, Charles loved watching football and cheering on his team every season.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Bennie and Essie Samples; his sister, Bennie Mae Samples; and his brother, Dewey Lee Samples.

He leaves to cherish his wonderful memories: his devoted wife of 48 years, Diffen Samples; his three children, Temeka Samples, Phillip Samples Jr. (Sarita), and Ebony Samples (Billy); eight cherished grandchildren, Drevon, Tony, Deryante, Deryanna, Tremelle, Philicity, Lyberti, and Navy; and four great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his two sisters, Earnestine Samples and Debra Samples (Rett), and a host of nieces, nephews, in-laws, cousins, and dear friends.