Dwight Edward Sample, 94 of Longwood, Florida, passed away March 14. He was born December 18, 1929, in Fort Smith, Arkansas.
Following his service in the Navy from 1948 – 1949, he received a BA in business administration and marketing from the University of Arkansas in 1952. Dwight began his career with J.C Penny at the age of 16, working part time after school and on weekends as an Eagle Scout selling uniforms and other items in the children’s department.
He received awards from J.C Penny Company for managerial excellence at the Winter Park store and was active in the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce, United Way, Kiwanis, Rotary, Salvation Army, and the YMCA. Dwight served as an elder in the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. and was always serving and active as a member of his church. Exercising, bridge, reading books, golf, and gardening were his favorite hobbies.
Dwight was preceded in death by his wife Bettye to whom he was married for fifty-five years. He was affectionately known as Poppa by his grand and great-grandchildren.
Survivors include his son, Dr. Steven Sample and his wife Milli of Savannah, Georgia; daughter, Mrs. Karon Phillips and her husband Tom, of Longwood, Florida; grandchildren, Steven Sample, Jr. of Winter Garden, Florida, Wells Sample of Albany, Georgia, Margit Sample of Atlanta, Georgia, Kaley Gilford and husband Daniel of Winter Springs, Florida; great grandchildren, Rowan Sample, Ben Gilford and Madelyne Jane Gilford.