Henry W. Samples

Henry W. Samples died on August 1, 2024. He was 76 years old. "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30

He was a native of Greeneville, Tennessee, and spent much of his youth in Point Pleasant, Tennessee, which he considered his adopted home.

Samples was a former journalist, having worked as a reporter for the Bristol Virginia-Tennessean and for 32 years at the Johnson City Press, where he was managing editor for nearly 16 years. Henry helped many journalists get their career start at the Johnson City Press and was a shining light in many former reporters' and editors' memories of their time at the Press.

He was a passionate reader. He would read anything he could get his hands on, specifically anything related to history, the Civil War, and World War II. Author Cormac McCarthy was Henry's all-time favorite author. Samples continued to write during his retirement, and his short stories had been published in various Tennessee and national anthologies and publications including HomeWords: A Book of Tennessee Writers, and HomeWorks: A Book of Tennessee Writers. He was awarded first place and second place in the Lonesome Pine short story contest.

His parents, Burl and Gertie French Samples, preceded him in death. He was the grandson of Henry and Ninnie Holt French and John Henry and Sarah Dawson Samples, all of Newport, Tennessee.

Henry is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Dr. Agnes B. Samples of Johnson City, Tennessee.

Among his closest friends, Father Steve Tokarski was not just his priest but a trusted confidant and spiritual guide. Their deep conversations and shared moments of reflection brought him immense peace and clarity. Father Steve's wisdom and compassion profoundly enriched his faith journey. Vincent Whaley and his wife, Lori, were a constant source of joy, and their bond will be remembered fondly.

A funeral mass will be held Wednesday, August 14 at St. Anthony of Padua, 833 W. Main St., Mountain City, Tennessee at 2 p.m.

Instead of flowers, please consider donating in honor of Henry W. Samples to the Johnson City Public Library, 100 W. Millard St., Johnson City, Tennessee, 37604.