He was a member of Bentley's Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, and loved to attend services at Slate Hill Primitive Baptist Church. He was saved on Easter Sunday, April 7, 1985, at House's Chapel at age 38. He loved making music for the Lord at church, along with his Tuesday night crew: Howard Dalton, Jack Purkey, Lonas Dalton, Harry Purkey, Steve Dalton and his wife, Phyllis. He spent many years working as a mechanic and his whole life in the garden, with his green thumb.
He was a true homebody who found joy in the simple things, always brought smiles and laughter with his jokes, and always had a guitar or cup of coffee in his hands. He loves to spoil his pride and joy, hid grandkids, and great grandkids. But most importantly, he loved to serve the Lord and followed Christ's example by loving others, showing kindness, and serving others with a humble heart.
He is preceded in death by his father-in-law: Dennis Purkey; brother-in-law: Jake Purkey; parents: Wilson and Barbara Samsel; grandparents: Henry and Love Hodge and sister Glenda Stump.
He is survived by his loving wife of almost 52 years, Phyllis Samsel; his children: Billy (Shonda) Samsel, Amanda (Alden) Payne, Caylynn (JB) Samsel and Heather Overby; his grandchildren: Noah Samsel, Lexi (Hunter) Jarnigan, Reagan Payne, Kennedy Payne, Jaylen Samsel. Bella Samsel, Allison Payne, Elijah Samsel, Katie Smart and Waylon Seals; his great grands: Lakely Jarnigan and baby-Payne. Mother-in-law: Imogene Purkey; sisters: Juanita Carter and Betty Samsel; sister-n-law: Debbie (Jim) Cunningham; special Friends, Howard Dalton, Tim Cummings, Harry and Debbie Purkey and Nadine Russell; also a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.
Visitation will be Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026 from 6:00 until 9:00 pm at Stubblefield Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at 12:00 noon on Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026 at Slate Hill Primitive Baptist Church with Rev. Jamie Jarnigan, Rev. Robert Jarnigan and Rev. Larry Miller officiating. Graveside and interment services will follow in Hamblen Memory Gardens.
Active pallbearers will be: Noah Samsel, Jaylen Samsel, Steve Dalton, Hunter Jarnigan, Harry Purkey and Dennis Peterson. Honorary pallbearers are Elijah Samsel, Howard Dalton and Jack Purkey.
