Joseph Malcolm Sample

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Visitation Schedule
Visitation
Formosa Baptist Church
192 County Line Road
Clinton, AR  72031
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
10:00am
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
Formosa Baptist Church
192 County Line Road
Clinton, AR  72031
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
11:00am
Cemetery
Union Hill Cemetery
County Line Road
Bee Branch, AR  72013
Joseph Malcolm Sample

of Russellville, AR

February 16, 1925 - August 9, 2012

Mr. Joseph Malcolm Sample 87, of Russellville, Arkansas peacefully passed away at his home with a song in his heart on Thursday, August 9, 2012 after a long illness. He was the son of John B. and Dena (Renfro) Sample. He was born February 16, 1925.

He graduated from Ashdown High School and attended Ouachita Baptist College. Malcolm felt the call to the ministry at an early age and found that music was the way to express his faith. He graduated with a degree in music and education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

During college and afterwards he served in several churches in Arkansas including Texarkana, Bentonville, Helena, Camden, and Little Rock. His family also followed him to churches in Irving, Texas, Alexandria, Louisiana, Fort Payne, Alabama, and Memphis, Tennessee. While in Memphis he felt the call to become a pastor and took a church in Caruthersville, Missouri, and later Cape Girardeau, Missouri. He retired from the Formosa Baptist Church in Arkansas.

He is preceded in death by his parents, and eight half siblings.

Malcolm is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Stella (Crownover) Sample, and his four daughters who he had really wished were as famous as the Lennon Sisters. We do pretty well not being professional singers. He left a song in our hearts too. His daughters are Sharon Sample, and Bonnie Sample of Russellville, AR; Danna Schneider of Clarksville, AR; and Susan Guetzlaff (John) of Booneville, AR; a sister, Francis Sample Withem of Ashdown, AR; and two brothers, James Alton Sample (Betty Jo) of Lecompte, Louisiana; and Harold Sample (Elizabeth) of Fort Worth, TX; His grandchildren are Carolyn Goforth Nunnally (Matthew) of Searcy, AR; Scott Goforth of Russellville, AR; Leah Schneider Doerflinger (Ian) of Fayetteville, AR; Liz Schneider of Conway, AR; Andy Kirn of Hot Springs, AR; and Holly Kirn Jarvis (Paul) of Galveston, TX; Then of course there was the apple of his great-grandpa's eye, the only great-grandchild (as yet), Xander Nunnally.

Pallbearers will be his nephews and Honorary Pallbearers will be the members of Formosa Baptist Church.

Special thanks go to his hospice aide, Jane Parker. She showed such love and compassion. We are all indebted to her. We also want to thank the other people from the Arkansas Health Department Hospice who made ths transition smoother.

Dad had a long life of dedication to singing and preaching his faith. He leaves behind a host of family and friends who sing his praises and can just imagine him leading angel-song into eternity.

The family will greet friends and family at 10:00am Tuesday, August 14, 2012 prior to the Funeral Service at 11:00am at Formosa Baptist Church with Pastor Earl Goatcher officiating. Burial will follow at Union Hill Cemetery.

Memorial donations can be made to the Arkansas Baptist Children's Home's Family Ministeries at www.abchomes.org/

Funeral Arrangements are under the care and direction of Roller-McNutt Funeral Home of Clinton, Arkansas. Online guest book: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com

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11 Condolence(s)
Don and Lorraine Swindol
Bryan, TX
Liked
Sunday, March 29, 2020

Bro. Sample was Minister of Education at Leawood Baptist Church when we were attending there. Always remember him as being very kind, sincere man of God. And as Don says, a very good vocalist. Happy to hear about his home-going. Prayers for comfort and sweet memories for his family.

Doug Grubbs
Springdale, AR
Liked
Monday, November 12, 2018

Bro. Sample was the first pastor I served on a church staff with and preached my ordination sermon. I spent many hours in his hone with his wife and lovely family, and am sorry I wasn’t able to keep up with him in my later years of ministry. It’s been 40 years now since I first served with him and considered him my “Father” in the ministry. I loved this man, just now learned of his passing, and will see Him in glory sooner than we realize.

Don & Marilyn Anderson
Knoxville, TN
Liked
Saturday, January 16, 2016

We have fond memories of Malcom. Such a sweet and kind spirit and because of his gentle meekness our faith was enboldened. He baptized Marilyn in 1979 and we just found her "Certificate of Baptism" signed by this dear, sweet, Shepherd of God. Love to all of our Christian brothers and sisters.

Sherry and Myrtle Williams
Powell, TN
Liked
Friday, August 31, 2012

I've known, respected, and loved this wonderful man since 1984, when I became acquainted (and a member of his extended family) with his daughter, Susan... My parents enjoyed when they visited... and were so delighted with genial fellowship and mutual feeling of "family" we have all enjoyed throughout the years... Their mutual interest in trees and flowers, and daughters...
He was always so peaceful, humble, genuine... Strong in the ways a man of God can be...

I have enjoyed hosting their visits, and receiving their hospitality, love and deep affection... Par and Mar...

Our deepest sympathy, and love for his passing...
He was such a wonderful man, father, husband, brother, uncle, grandpa, and Reverend... He is leading
the chorus of angels in worship of God...

I will always treasure the blessing of knowing this man! (and his wonderful family... )
I will always feel like another daughter... That's the love he always extended to me, and is eternal...

Don Moore
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Monday, August 13, 2012

I am not. sure my other message went thru to you. Malcolm was a loyal friend and good encouragement to me in the years as Executive Director of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention. I know you will miss him tremendously. My prayers are with you.
Don Moore, Retired, Ex. Dir.

Don Moore
Little Rock,, AR
Liked
Monday, August 13, 2012

Hi Friends,

I saw in the paper where Malcolm had been called home. I always loved and respected him. He was level headed, faithful, friendly and encouraging. I know you will miss him, but anticipate the great reunion day. Will be praying for you all during the service and in the days ahead. Having lost my spouse in 1993, I know the loneliness ahead will be hard.
Sincerely,
Don Moore, Retired Executive Director, Arkansas Baptist State Convention

Gloria Fowler Lloyd
Brinkley, AR
Liked
Sunday, August 12, 2012

Stella,
My deepest sympathy to you in your loss of Malcolm. I often think of our times doing Summer Field Work Summer of 1948. This is espicially true when we have mission reports in our church in Brinkley. Newton County was a mission was it not? Keeping you in prayer. Gloria Lloyd

Janet Correll Ellison
Quincy, IL
Liked
Sunday, August 12, 2012

I'm so sorry to hear of Reverend Sample's passing. He was a sweet soul. My condolences to Mrs. Sample, his daughters, and the rest of his family. You are in my prayers.

Clytee & June Harness
New Port Richey, FL
Liked
Saturday, August 11, 2012

Stella, I just saw this obituary as I was scrolling through. We are so sorry. You (both) were so kind to us when we were in Arkansas. Bro. Malcolm was someone we were blessed to know--a fine man and pastor and a good friend to Clytee. You have our thoughts and prayers during this time.

Peggy & Gary Harlan
Waldorf, MD
Liked
Saturday, August 11, 2012

We were saddened to hear about Malcolm's passing, however we know he is singing the praises of he LORD in heaven right now. He was a wonderful inspiration and exhibited the life of Christ by his daily walk. Please give our condolences to Stella and his family. In Christ love, Peggy and Gary Harlan

Janie Fullilove
clinton, AR
Liked
Friday, August 10, 2012

Stella & Family
I am sorry to hear of Bro. Malcolm death he was a wonderfull and loveing guy that always had smile and a kind word for everone he came in contact with.My prayers are with you and your family.
Love Janie Fullilove