Lewis Edward Sample

Lewis Edward Sample, age 57, of Cabot, Ark., went to be with his Lord on July 4, 2012 in North Little Rock, Ark. He was born Aug. 7, 1954 in Oak Harbor, Wash. to Victor Lloyd and Gwendolyn Sample. He was preceded in death by his father, Victor Sample of Taylor Town, La. He is survived by his wife, Tammie Sample; mother, Gwendolyn Blanchard and step-father, Charles Blanchard, of Bentonville, Ark.; sons, Clayton Sample and wife, Christina, of Jacksonville, Ark., Lyle Starr and wife, Jamie, of Cabot, Ark.; and, step-son, Shane Tabor and wife, Laura of North Little Rock, Ark.: daughters, Heather McCoun and husband, Robert, of Houston, Texas, Brandi Sample of Jacksonville, Texas; and, Robin Kendrick of Cabot, Ark.; one brother, Michael Wayne Sample of Searcy, Ark.; one sister, Glennda Darlene Lawson and husband, Weyland, of Benton, La.; four nieces and nephews; 11 grandchildren, and numerous friends and loved ones. Ed Sample was an unforgettable man. He served his country in the United States Marine Corp. After the Corp, he served as a paramedic and a police officer for many years. Later in his life, he found a passion in the adventure of driving the open roads as a successful owner/operator in the trucking industry. At his passing, he was employed by Triple Transport. No matter the profession, Ed lived each day to the fullest and to make a difference. Whether it was saving lives, protecting the innocent, or delivering his freight, he did it with a smile on his face and mischieveness in his heart. He was the strongest man I've ever known. He was a loving husband, son, brother, father, uncle, and grandfather. When he made up his mind, there was no way to budge him. He was stern and stubborn when voicing his opinion. His favorite past time was tormenting the ones closest to his heart. Ed wanted to be seen as a grumpy old bear who growled alot, but beneath that gruff exterior, he was always a teddy bear at heart. Poppa may be gone, but will never be forgotten and will always live on in our hearts. Family viewing will be held Sunday, July 8, 2012 at the Thomas Funeral Home in Cabot, Ark. from 1-3 p.m. The family will receive friends from 3-5 p.m. There will be a short memorial service at the Thomas Funeral Home on Monday, July 9, 2012 at 10:30. Graveside services will begin at 12 p.m. at the Arkansas Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock, Ark.