James Earl "Burt" Samples

james earl

June 16, 1980 ~ March 15, 2025

Born in: Lone Star, Texas
Resided in: Jonesboro, Arkansas

James Earl “Burt” Samples lived with passion, whether he was talking football, debating politics, or spending time with his greatest pride and joy, his sons, Max and Judd. He had a sharp mind, a generous heart, and a way of making every conversation unforgettable.

Born on June 16, 1980, in Lone Star, Texas, Burt started school in Hughes Springs before graduating from Mount Pleasant High School, where he played football. His talent on the field earned him a football scholarship to Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, where he earned a degree in Management Information Systems.  A proud member of Pi Kappa Alpha, he cherished the lifelong brotherhood he found in his fraternity.

Burt built a career in IT, serving as the Director of Information Technology at Forrest City Medical Center in Forest City, Arkansas. He was incredibly knowledgeable and could talk for hours about politics, always eager to share his insights. He also had a deep love for movies and was known for effortlessly quoting his favorite lines. But more than anything, he was a devoted father—his sons were his world.

Family meant everything to Burt. He always said, “Family has to stick together,” and he lived by that belief. He was a gracious host who loved to entertain, especially when he was cooking for his guests. Burt had a strong faith and loved God, searching for comfort and guidance in his beliefs.

On March 15, 2025, Burt passed away, leaving behind countless memories and a legacy of love and laughter. He was preceded in death by his father, David Earl Samples; his uncle, James Robert Samples; his grandfather, Marion Moon; and his beloved friend and canine companion, Gronk.

He is survived by his sons, Max and Judd Samples of Jonesboro, Arkansas; his mother and stepfather, Lisa and Paul Griffin of Mount Pleasant; his grandparents, James and Glenda Samples of Hughes Springs, and Virginia Moon of Mount Pleasant; his sister, Brooke Petranek and her husband, Dale, of Justin, Texas; his brother, Joseph Griffin and his wife, Kinley, of Mount Pleasant; sister, Alexis Marjason and her husband, Stephen; nephews, Jon Paul Petranek, Oliver Griffin, and Elliot Griffin (expected in June) and niece, Millie; his special uncle, Steve Samples and his wife, Melinda; as well as a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 21, 2025, at First Baptist Church in Hughes Springs. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park under the direction of Reeder-Davis Funeral Home in Hughes Springs. A visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. and will continue until the time of service Friday at the church.

Services

Visitation: March 21, 2025 10:00 am - 11:00 am

First Baptist Church of Hughes Springs
302 E 3rd St
Hughes Springs, TX 75656


Funeral Ceremony: March 21, 2025 11:00 am

First Baptist Church of Hughes Springs
302 E 3rd St
Hughes Springs, TX 75656


Interment:

Woodlawn Memorial Park
1213 Hanes Blvd.
Hughes Springs, Texas 75656


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Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. Candle 2We attended church with Burt years ago at the Valley View Church of Christ.
    We are saddened to hear of his passing and we are praying for everyone that loved him most. May the Lord comfort you all during this time.

  2. I’m so sorry to hear this news…prayers for his family & boys. Burt was one of the good ones. Always kind to people. I know He will be missed by many.

  3. Candle 2Lisa , Paul, Brooke & Joseph , My heart breaks for you all . I will always remember Burt walking into the church building , he was always the tallest person there. Also, a sweetheart. I pray for you all & his precious sons. God bless & keep you all . Love , Karen Towers

  4. Candle 6A remarkable leader and a good friend. Burt was my supervisor at a job I had. I called him a leader instead of a boss. He lead by example and had tons of fun working alongside Burt. He was very sharp, with a single word he would light up ideas and resolutions to issues we had to resolve at our job. You will be missed Burt, my thoughts and prayers go with his family.

  5. Burt was an asset to our hospital, Forrest City Medical Center. He will be missed. Prayers for the family.

  6. Burt I’m truly gonna miss your humor that only I understood. I wished we would have talked longer Friday. Watch over me, especially this next project since I can’t bang on your door and have my moment.

  7. Lisa, Paul & family, I am so sorry & pray God’s comfort will hold you during such a difficult time.

  8. Lisa, Virginia, and family,
    I cannot begin to imagine the pain and loss you must feel. I am so very sorry. Keith and I will keep you all in our prayers. May God give you peace and comfort. Love you.


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