Gene Sample

   Calvin Eugene “Gene” Sample, 87, of Elizabeth City, NC, passed away Saturday, September 30, 2023 at his home following a long illness, where he was being cared for by family.

   Mr. Sample was born September 4, 1936 in a small house near the woods on Thunder Road in Elizabeth City. The son of the late Dallas Earl and Lina Pike Sample, he was a lifelong resident of Pasquotank County. A 1955 graduate of Central High School, he proudly served his country in the NC National Guard for a total of nine years. In earlier years he drove a delivery truck for Dr. Pepper and then for Wonder Bread before starting a career in the construction industry. Together Eugene and Shirley managed the C.E. Sample Construction Company for over forty years. A master carpenter, he was a talented cabinet maker and plumber. His favorite construction project involved the home of Travis and Frances Morris of Barco where they transformed a barn into a dream home and called it “The Barn”. A member of Corinth Baptist Church, most recently he attended Providence Baptist Church in Shawboro. 

   Surviving is his wife of 61 years, Shirley Jean Roberts Sample; his son, Calvin Eugene Sample, Jr. (wife, Dorothy) of Chesapeake, VA; two sisters-in-law, Rosa Roberts Blanchard and Elaine Roberts Barco (husband, Gregg); and a brother-in-law, Wilson Roberts (wife, Darlene).

   In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers-in-law, James “Jimmy” Roberts and Lewis Blanchard, Jr.

   Graveside services will be held Saturday, October 7, at 2:00 p.m. in New Hollywood Cemetery, Elizabeth City, and will be conducted by the Rev. Charles Stevens. Friends may visit with the family at the graveside 30 minutes prior to the service on Saturday.

   Miller & Van Essendelft Funeral and Cremation Providers, 1125 Harvey Point Road, Hertford, is assisting the family with arrangements, and online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.