Darwin Harrison Samples

Darwin Harrison Samples, age 95, of Newton, was born on July 5, 1930, to the late Moses Monroe Samples and Ethel Florence Boyd Samples. He passed away on August 24, 2025, at Catawba Valley Medical Center.

Mr. Samples was born in Villa Rica, Georgia, and at the early age of 15, he graduated as valedictorian from his high school. At that young age, he then left to attend Berry College in Rome, Georgia, where he graduated at age 19 with a degree in business and accounting. He then enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed out of Fort Jackson, SC. Following his years of service during the Korean conflict, Darwin then enrolled at the University of Georgia in the Terry College of Business where he received his master’s degree and later became a CPA. Following graduation, he worked for a time in Atlanta at Haskins and Sells, in Carrollton at Richards Lumber Company, in Athens at DeVore and Johnson and then moved to Newton, North Carolina where he resided until his death.

Upon coming to North Carolina, Mr. Samples worked as a CPA in the Thomas Bumbarger accounting firm, and then he joined MDI/Institution Food House, Inc. In Hickory where he was Controller until his retirement.

A Renaissance gentleman known for his kindness and wit, Darwin was a member of many civic and cultural groups. He was a long-time member of the Kiwanis Club, a Boy Scout leader and proud member of the Honor Guard at American Legion Post #16. In addition, he was a member of the Catawba Valley Executives Club, the Catawba Valley Dinner Club, the Carolina Moonlighters, a barbershop group, the Newton Hiking Group, and the Hickory Writers Group. He was extremely involved in his church serving on the consistory and singing in the church choir for years. He also served as church treasurer and was both an elder and deacon. A quiet but benevolent individual, Mr. Samples was supportive of the above groups as well as his beloved Berry College.

He is survived by his son, Steven Darwin Samples and members of his extended family and dear friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by Steven’s mother, Catherine Samples; brothers, Robert Samples and Lawton Samples; sisters, Margaret Braswell, Gretel Boyd, Sybil Rayburn and Maggie Lassiter.

A celebration of life will be held at 3 pm, Tuesday, September 16th, 2025, at Grace Reformed United Church of Christ in Newton with Reverend Ryan Brakemeyer officiating. Military Honors will be held at the beginning of service.

Receiving will follow the service, and memorials may be directed to the charity of one’s choice.

Condolences may be left at www.willisreynoldsfh.com

The Samples Family is under the care of Willis-Reynolds Funeral Home.