Bobby Ray Samples, age 93 of Oak Ridge passed away on Wednesday, July 23, 2025 at his home surrounded by loved ones.

Bobby was born in Buford, GA to the late Chester & Gertrude Phillips Samples. While living in the Oak Ridge area well over 50 years Bobby worked for and retired from the Y-12 National Security Complex. Bobby served in the Air Force as an airplane mechanic during the Korean War.

Bobby is preceded in death by his parents along with, Charles Kenneth Samples of Pensacola, FL and Helen Wilma Hutchins of Clearwater, FL. Bobby is survived by his loving wife of 69 years Marilyn Powell Samples. Sons David Ray Samples (Jennifer) of Oak Ridge, TN and Joe Powell (Mirela) Samples of Oliver Springs, TN. Along with many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

Grandchildren: Joshua David Samples (Angela) of Oak Ridge, TN, Sarah Joela Stamper (Jacob) of Portsmouth, VA and Josiah Michael Samples of Oliver Springs, TN.

Great Grandchildren: Emma, Audrey, Asher and Ethan.

Bobby was a member of Robertsville Baptist Church in Oak Ridge, TN. He was a deacon at the church for over 40 years and taught Sunday School and loved taking part in Disaster Relief, the outreach ministry, and sharing the Gospel with anyone who would listen He enjoyed hunting, fishing and being on the water in his canoe. He also loved gardening and figuring out any new way he could to make his tomatoes grow better. Bobby was a devoted husband and father and Papoo, and would regularly take his grandchildren for walks, to the park, and take time to let them smell every flower or examine something interesting. He would do anything he could to bless his family and spend time with them. His love for his wife Marilyn was never ending and he devoted all his time to caring for her in their later years. Most of all, He loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and desired to bring Him glory above all else.

The family will be receiving friends on Wednesday, July 30, 2025 at Sharp Funeral Home in Oliver Springs, TN from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. with the funeral at 7:00 P.M. in the chapel with Rev. Joe Samples officiating. Bobby will be laid to rest at the East Tennessee Veterans Cemetery in Knoxville, TN.