Joe Bob Sampson

Joe Bob “JB” Sampson departed this world peacefully, surrounded by his loving family and friends, on January 23, 2016, at the age of 87. JB was born May 3rd, 1928, in Corsicana, Texas. He was raised by his mother, Ola “Jimmie” Meador, and his adopted father, Clarence Menzler. He attended Jefferson High School in San Antonio where he was Drum Major in the marching band. While attending Trinity University, JB organized their first marching band and served as Drum Major.

JB’s early years were defined by his love of music. He played multiple instruments. Early on he began working as a band instructor. Also being a natural-born salesman, JB was soon also selling musical instruments and band uniforms to schools all across the Southwest.

JB married Rhea Nash of San Antonio in 1949. They had seven children, Sharon, Laurance, Gerald, Lynn, James, Gary and Jay, five grandchildren, Loralyn, Misti, Norman, Kendall and Emily, and numerous great-grandchildren.

In the early 1950’s, JB entered the fashion industry by joining Catalina Sportswear. He soon became a top national salesman. He moved his family to Dallas. He pioneered the Dallas Apparel Mart, the second largest of its kind in the US, as its first and largest original tenant. He was a highly respected leader in the fashion industry for over 40 years.

JB was a devoted son. In the early 1990’s he retired back to San Antonio to care for his aged mother. With large extended families on both his parents’ sides, JB enjoyed visiting and telling stories of his very exciting life. For his last birthday, JB happily hosted a large group at a patio restaurant in the Hill Country with lots of love, laughter, and joy.

JB was preceded in death by his parents, half-sister, Gwyn, Rhea (mother of his children), and his daughter, Sharon, and sons, Gerald and Gary.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 38 years, Georgette, his children Laurance, Lynn, James and Jay, his five grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be on Thursday, January 28, 2015, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home, 1701 Austin Highway, San Antonio 78218. The Funeral will be at 11:30 a.m., Friday, January 29, 2015, at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 502 Kayton Ave., San Antonio 78210. Interment to follow at Sunset Memorial.

The family requests donations to Wounded Warriors Project in lieu of flowers.