Billy James Sampson's Obituary
In Loving Memory of Billy James Sampson
July 28, 1932 – July 14, 2025
Billy James Sampson was born on July 28, 1932, in tiny Hootie, Oklahoma, the youngest of nine children welcomed by Charles and Cora Sampson. From the very beginning, Billy carried a resourceful spirit that would define nearly a century of dedication to family, faith, and honest work.
At just sixteen, Billy married his high-school sweetheart, Wanda Anderson, and the two embarked on life’s journey side by side. Their early years found Billy knocking on doors to sell Bibles—an experience that honed the warm handshake and quick smile customers would remember for decades.
A Life of Industrious Service
For more than 30 years Billy poured his energy into the grocery industry, working his way up in stores across Oklahoma and California. Each time homesickness struck, he returned to Oklahoma, bringing with him new skills and an unshakeable love for the people and pace of his home state.
In 1970 Billy accepted a friend’s invitation to try commercial painting. What began as a side venture blossomed into a second, 50-year career. In 1981 he and his sons founded Sampson & Sons, quickly earning a reputation for quality so strong it landed Billy on the front page of The Tulsa World. He finally set down his paintbrushes only seven months before his 90th birthday—proof of the tenacity, discipline, and work ethic that shaped his life.
Passions Beyond Work
When he wasn’t scaling scaffolds or leading a crew, Billy found deep joy in the quiet care of rosebushes and vegetable gardens, coaxing color and life from Oklahoma soil. Spring and summer evenings often saw him settled near a radio or television, cheering on his beloved St. Louis Cardinals with a statistic ready on the tip of his tongue.
A Legacy of Love
Billy’s greatest pride, however, was his family. He modeled unwavering commitment as a husband and proved a steady, supportive presence to each generation that followed.
He is lovingly remembered by:
Children: Linda & Russ Ferguson; DeWayne & Sherry Sampson; Randy Sampson; and Tom Sampson
Grandchildren: Russell Ferguson, IV; Heather & Ty Whitt; Michael & McKayla Sampson; Kendyl & Kevin Witzel; and Hanna & Kyle Price
Great-grandchildren: Zinnia & Poppy Whitt; Trystan & Harleigh Sampson; Savannah, Caleb, Kaden & Sawyer Witzel; and Jhett & Ivy Price
Great-great-grandson: Grey
A host of extended relatives, former coworkers, and lifelong friends
Billy was preceded in death by his son, Sam Sampson, as well as his parents and eight siblings—each reunion surely joyful in Heaven’s grandstands.
Celebrating a Life Well Lived
Services honoring Billy’s life will be 10am Monday, July 21, 2025 at Rivercrest Chapel. Interment will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery.
May every rose bloom bright red, and may the Cardinals always have a spot in the postseason—for Billy is surely cheering them on from the best seat in the ballpark.
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