J.W. graduated high school and married Mary Ellen Stanley on Sept. 2, 1952. United as one they were blessed with four children. He has a been a lifelong farmer and rancher. J.W. has served the Lord all his life and was a member of Center Hill Church. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, but his greatest joy was his wife of 67 years, his children and grandchildren.
J.W. is survived by his wife, Mary Ellen Sampson; children, Rhonda Stephens and husband Dennis and Morris Sampson and wife Regina; grandchildren, Amy Mattingly, Travis Stephens, Alesha Willingham, Ryan Nunley, Jay Nunley, Tyler Nunley, Heather Wallis, Micah Sampson, Joseph Sampson, Sarah Sampson and Eason Sampson; 15 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and dear friends. 
J. W. Sampson was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Marcia Sampson Nunley; son, Todd Sampson and sister, LaNoma White.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2019 at Center Hill Church. Pastors Kevin Angel and Earl White will officiate. Interment will follow in Center Hill Cemetery with grandsons, Travis Stephens, Joseph Sampson, Eason Sampson, Jay Nunley, Tyler Nunley, Ryan Nunley and Micah Sampson serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Adrian Stanley, Billy Nelson, Buster Renfro, Bill Ammons, T.E. Owens and Earnie Dean. 
Arrangements are under the direction of Brown’s Durant Funeral and Cremation Service.