Joseph Sample

Joseph T. Sample, longtime resident of Garner, NC, went home to be with the Lord on September 15, 2025, with his last moments spent peacefully in the arms and comfort of his loving wife.

Though Joe was a West Lafayette, Indiana, native and Purdue University graduate, he lived many lives. From his humble farming roots, to spending a few years in Wyoming as a cowboy, to finding his forever home in Garner, where he was later recognized for his outstanding contributions to the town in August 2024 when he received the James R. Stevens Service to Garner Award.

Joe Sample was a long-time journalist and kept the residents of Garner up to date on local government affairs and other matters of public interest with his weekly paper, the Garner News. He was a dedicated public servant, holding office as a Town Alderman and later serving on the Garner Fire-Rescue Board of Directors up until his passing. He served as the department's last Board President and was instrumental in merging the department into the town government. During Mr. Sample's 17-year tenure on the board, the Garner Fire-Rescue was internationally accredited, as well as receiving a National Insurance Services Office rating of 1 (ISO-1), one of less than 20 out of 1200 such ratings in North Carolina.

While his accomplishments were great, more importantly, Joe found joy in the little things in life. Happiness to him was waking up early every morning to eat breakfast with friends, being his own boss-and everyone else's boss, eating fruit (he loved fruit), traveling to the beach, feeding the backyard deer and other wild animals, sending silly texts to family and friends, riding his John Deere tractors, watching the news, and most of all spending time with his family.

He is survived by and missed dearly by his best friend and wife of 35 years, Angela Sample, and her two daughters, Shawna (Scott) Carroll and Kelli Harnish. Joe and Angela (lovingly referred to as Papaw & Gigi) shared 5 grandchildren together- Sara, Rebecca, Logan (Melissa), Brooklyn, and Braxton, as well as 4 great-grandchildren- Ryan Jo (named after Joe), Aspen, Amari, and one he won't have the chance to meet.

Joe Sample was preceded in death by his parents, Glenn W. Sample and Mary Catherine Sample, as well as his brother James A. Sample. He is survived by two sisters, Louise Hass and Elizabeth (Steve) Yegerlehner, as well as three nephews, one niece, and five great-nieces and nephews.

His visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, from 5:00 to 8:00 P.M. at Bryan Lee Funeral Home, 1200 Benson Rd, Garner, NC 27529

His funeral service will be held Thursday, September 25, 2025, at 10:30 A.M. at Aversboro Baptist Church, 1600 Aversboro Rd, Garner, NC 27529. The burial will follow the service at Montlawn Memorial Park, 2911 S. Wilmington St, Raleigh, NC 27603

Contributions can be made in Joe Sample's name to: Garner Fire Fighters Association, P.O. 441 Garner, NC 27529

A service of Bryan-Lee Funeral Home - Garner.