OBITUARY
Gary Edwin Sample
July 22, 1952 – January 9, 2021
Gary Edwin Sample, age 68, of Hampstead, NC, went to be with the Lord on January 9, 2021. He was born in Hartford, CT on July 22, 1952 to Raymond Sample and Louise Sample. He was preceded in death by Raymond Sample, Louise Sample, Raymond (Fred) Sample, Donald Sample and Debra Sample.
Gary had a special place in his heart for the ocean. He loved his life and always said that he lived in paradise here on earth. He boated out to the island to watch the sunset nightly, no matter the weather. He loved his family, friends, business associates and neighbors. He was always willing to lend a helping hand, rescue a stranded boater, fix a motor, tow a boat, or drag a dock to safety during a storm. If you looked overheated mowing your lawn, he would grab his mower and do that too. He and his tractor would be sure to help get the seagrass off and move things after a hurricane. He surely had a sense of humor, was always in command with everything he did and the took joy in being the life of the party. He will live in our hearts forever as we reflect on the life of a truly monumental man.
As a professional, Gary was a titan of the food delivery industry. He took great pride in the partnerships he built with his customers, prioritizing their needs throughout as CEO of Delivery Concepts East. He designed specialty vehicles for life-saving meal programs across the United States, through which the impact of his work will continue in his absence. It is no exaggeration to say Gary Sample revolutionized the meal delivery industry in his nearly five-decade career. Gary also loved the Kona Ice business he shared with Pam for more than a decade and the joy it brought to their community. A bold and charismatic man, Gary cultivated professional relationships in both businesses that grew into meaningful personal connections. He will be dearly missed by his colleagues, his friends, and those who were fortunate enough to be both.
Gary is survived by his wife, Pam Sample, son, Gary E. Sample, Jr., daughter Ashley Todd and husband Brian, his grandchildren, Robert Evans III, Tyler Larkin, Trey Sample, Brandon Sample, extended parents of grandchildren, Carin Heins and Robert Evans, II, along with many beloved cousins, in-laws, nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and families, his many friends and colleagues.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 23rd, 2021 with Pastor Phil Ortego officiating at Coble Funeral and Cremation Service at Greenlawn Memorial Park located at 1155 Shipyard Boulevard, Wilmington, NC 2840. No interment will follow at this time. https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/96018828
To add a memory for the family, please click the "Add Memory" link below.
Scholarship funds have been established in Gary’s memory through Meals on Wheels America and the National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs (NANASP). Donations made in Gary’s memory will fund scholarships for Meals on Wheels and NANASP programs to attend annual conferences.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: -Meals on Wheels America: www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org/GarySample If donating by check, please include “honoring Gary Sample” on the check memo and mail to:
Meals on Wheels America, 1550 Crystal Drive, Suite 1004 Arlington, VA 22202
-NANASP: www.nanasp.org/NANASP2021Conference If donating by check, please include “Gary Sample Memorial” on the check memo and mail to:
NANASP 1612 K Street Suite 200 Washington, D.C. 20006
Online contributions may be made by clicking the links below:
Services
Celebration of Life Service
Memories
Gary Edwin Sample
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYJoAnn Tomaselli
January 23, 2021
Dear Pam, Ashley & Gary Jr.,
We send our heartfelt condolences for the loss of your beloved husband and father. Gary will surely be missed here on earth but the words of this poem offer a glimmering hope of a great adventure that's just begun.
All our love,
Jo Ann & Kent Tomaselli
Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I’ve climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
Of sun-split clouds, – and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of – wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hov’ring there,
I’ve chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air…
Up, up the long, delirious burning blue
I’ve topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace
Where never lark, or ever eagle flew –
And, while with silent, lifting mind I’ve trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.
John Gillespie Magee
John ford
January 23, 2021
Gary and I liked to bounce ideas off each other, I will miss that. I will miss his seemingly endless energy and passion for his clients and business. I will miss many things, but I won’t forget.
Tomy Marchetti
January 23, 2021
No words can describe the loss of Gary in my world. A brother and partner of 35
Years. We struggled and fought to build a business and together we managed to survive and prosper. His family is my family! I will grieve for Pam, Gary jr, and Ashley and all those who loved him.
Sleep well my brother!
Brian Bednarczyk
January 21, 2021
Dear Pam,
It has been a long time. The last time I saw you or Gary was at the wedding of my nephew Jay, all those years ago. I am so sorry to hear of his passing.
The first real job I ever had was at Generis Catering and Gary was my boss. He was probably only 23 years old but was In charge of the whole place. I eventually ended up driving a lunch truck for him. He was a great boss and was so nice to me, and had such charisma. I worked hard for him because I didn't want to let him down. He made you feel like you were his best friend. Everybody wanted to be around him. He had skills too. He could build anything, fix anything, just an impressive, outgoing, fun person. I look back on those years with fondness.
Pam I am so sorry for your loss. I know he will be missed and although I wish we had stayed in contact, people and careers drift apart. Please know that you and your entire family have my deepest condolences.
Sincerely and Respectfully,
Brian Bednarczyk
Jeremiah ford
January 21, 2021
Best trip I ever had. Gary will be missed.
Brian Sample
January 21, 2021
Dear Pam, Gary, Ashley and family:
From Brian Sample:
I will never forget growing up with Gary and his family. Dinners with the Samples and my Dad. Gary was was the best man at my wedding and I will never forget that. We had many happy memories together. When I take my boat out, I will remember you and how much the ocean called you. We will speak your name and the ocean will answer, you are free Gary, you are with God.
love, Brian
from Colleen, Brian's wife:
I will miss our work discussions about finances and what's going on in the market. You left us too soon but you are at peace. The bottle is still in the pantry. I will take it out at the next gathering, share it with the group and speak your name while smiling all the way. Fish on!
You will always be in our hearts. Love, Brian and Colleen Sample
GIl Rossomando
January 20, 2021
Every Year, Lindley/Trio community Meals held a dinner for our customers at the Library restaurant. It was a fun time and everyone laughed all night. It must be at least 10 years in a row. I always invited Gary and whoever was with him. He was the only non- employee or Customer that I would invite. His great humor and funny stories always added to the event. I looked forward to seeing him each year and we always stopped for one after dinner drink which lasted until the restaurant closed. He will be missed by our MOW community in New England and personally missed by me. He always talked about his fishing and family.
My condolences to the family.
Gil Rossomando and the Lindley/Trio Community Meals team.
Jonathan Riley
January 19, 2021
Dear Pam, Gary Jr., Ashley - I am so sorry for the loss of Gary. He was a great neighbor, but more importantly a great friend. He will be missed dearly. I will never forget the great conversations and talks we had. If there is anything you all need during this difficult time please do not hesitate to ask. Love you all, Jon R
Chris Moldovan
January 19, 2021
I am so very sorry to learn of Gary's passing. He was a kind man. We will miss him at the annual New England Regional Elderly Nutrition conference.
Rebecca Bell
January 19, 2021
I am so very sad for you all. He was a wonderful man and he will be missed. Love you guys!
Jon Eriquezzo
January 19, 2021
We're all so very sorry to hear of Gary's passing. Our thoughts and prayers to his family.
Debbie Ward
January 19, 2021
Dear Pam, Gary, Ashley, Gary was such a sweet man. He was the same everytime I saw him. He always had a smile on his face. The last time I saw him was in Food Lion. We talked for awhile exchanged updates on our families, everything he said about you all he said with a smile on his face. I know he will be missed. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Al Sample
January 18, 2021
More than anything else, Gary’s life was defined by family. It brought him happiness and occasional heartache, but it was what always brought him his greatest joy. Everything else he did in life somehow revolved around what he felt he needed to do for his family.
Anyone who knew Gary knows how much he loved his life on the water. There was hardly a conversation I had with him in which he didn’t tell me how lucky he felt, to be living the life he was. Often it was to good-naturedly rub my nose in the fact that I was a forester, sitting in big-city traffic trying to get home at the end of a stressful workday, while he was in the business of building trucks but was about to step out his door, down onto his dock, and out for an evening on the water with friends, family, and a little VO in the travel mug. He wasn’t gloating. He just wanted to share the experience, and he made sure I knew his door and his dock were always open for me.
After one of the many hurricanes that blew through Hampstead, and months of clean-up and repairs, he told me it was all worth it, and it was still like living in paradise. Part of it was the water, the fishing, and the sunsets on the beach. But a bigger part of it was that he was always surrounded by his growing and loving family.
Sometimes calling a memorial service a “celebration of life” just feels a little fake, a way to deny that what we’re all really feeling is a profound sense of loss. But in Gary’s case it really should be a celebration of a life well-lived and thoroughly enjoyed. Every day was an absolute gift, and one that he fully appreciated and deeply treasured.
We all miss Gary terribly, and we always will. But wherever he is I wish him calm waters, good fishing, glorious sunsets, and something heavenly in his mug at the end of the day.
Gayle Harvey
January 18, 2021
Pam, Gary and Ashley, "When life gives you a hundred reasons to cry, show life you have a thousand reasons to smile. " The photos of Gary show what a zest he had for life and how much love he had for his family and friends. You will always have thousands and thousands of reasons to remember him and smile. Gary is forever in our memories and in our hearts, may he rest in peace and know that he was loved. With our deepest sympathy, Gayle and Bert
Magi BRETTLER
January 18, 2021
Heartbroken such a great man has left this earth. Gary really was a kind, fun, thoughtful man and professional in the delivery business. He & Pam were great hosts and loved to share their paradise. I will cherish my fishing photo forever. Gone too soon and never to be forgotten my dear friend!
Pam, & Gary JR and family - sending supportive prayers for your hearts and strength to journey ahead to celebrate Gary's life and keep his legacy alive.
Magi Brettler
Lisa LaBonte
January 15, 2021
We were so sad to hear about the passing of Gary. Pam, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Gary had many friends all over the country but particularly in CT. Ricky and I have so many fond memories of numerous conferences particularly the New England conference. No matter where the conference was held we always took time to get together with Gary. He had a caring way a big heart and will be greatly missed.
April Royal
January 13, 2021
My heart goes out to you Pam and to your family. I cannot express the sorrow I feel for you enough, you know I’m only a phone call away. You were there for me, let me know if there is anything I can do for you. We love your family!
Mary Ann Doughtie
January 13, 2021
Pam , Ashley, and Gary ,
So sorry for your loss. You all are in my prayers. Moving forward from here is difficult. Lean on God and allow him to be your guidance and strength. Love you all!!!
Sandy Moon
January 12, 2021
Pam, I am so sorry to hear that Gary passed. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Peace be with you.
Sandy Moon