Obituary for William D. “Bill” Sample
William D. “Bill” Sample, 65 of Ashland passed away early Tuesday morning, January 8, 2025 at home with his loving wife and daughter at his side.
He was born on August 24, 1959 in Ashland, the son of the late E. Duane and Lilly Belle (nee Cranmore) Sample.
Bill graduated from Ashland High School, Class of 1977. He proudly joined the United States Navy and served two enlistments. Bill served in the United States Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 74, stationed in Gulfport, Mississippi, Central Japan, Northern Japan, Greece and Sicily. He worked in the public works program in Wales and the Construction Battalion Unit 410 in Jacksonville, Florida.
He married the love of his life, the former Sharon Green on December 27, 1980.
He was self-employed all his life as a finish carpenter. Bill put his hard work and talent to good use by volunteering for many hours with the Siler Farm, Ashland Schines Theatre, the Mansfield Reformatory restoration project, and Housing Partners.
Bill was a devoted member of Trinity Lutheran Church where he was a founding member of the Trinity Woodworkers with Pastor Bob Pflueger. He was a former member of the Ashland Evening Lions Club where he served as president.
He is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Mrs. Sharon Sample of Ashland; one daughter, Natalie Sample of Ashland; and several cousins.
In addition to his parents, Bill is preceded in death by his siblings, Nancy (Delbert) Burkhart, Randolph and Mary Jane Sample.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, January 15, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. in the Trinity Lutheran Church with Reverend Kevin McClain presiding. Interment will follow in the Ashland Cemetery where full military honors will be provided by the Ashland Veteran’s Honor Guard. Friends and family may visit on Tuesday evening, January 14, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, 508 Center Street, Ashland, Ohio 44805 or to the Ashland County Cancer Association, 1011 East Main Street, Suite A, Ashland, Ohio 44805.