Obituary of John William Sample

John William Sample, 82 years old, passed into his eternal home with Jesus, at 1:00 am Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at home in Gilbert, AZ where he lived with his son, Kevin and family. John was born April 24, 1941 in Gridley, CA to Durwood and Irene Sample.  He graduated from Gridley High School with the class of 1959.  John served our country in the United States Air Force from 1959-1963.  He served in the military police, including a tour of duty in South Korea. On June 16, 1962, John married Gale Gillespie whom he was married to for 58 wonderful years.

John and Gale lived many years in Gridley, CA and Manteca, CA, but also resided in Eureka, CA, Crescent City, CA, and La Pine, OR.  Faith in Christ and commitment to the local church were central to John’s life and family.  He served in various church leadership roles throughout his life.  John was an active member of the Gideons International organization devoted to distributing copies of the Bible in hotel rooms, to military personnel and first responders, and more.  During his years in Oregon, John joined the La Pine chapter of the Oregon Band of Brothers Veterans organization.  John was a little league baseball coach, a high school football referee, and an avid sports fan.  He could regularly be found at his kids’ and grandkids’ games.  Most notably, John will be remembered as a kind, gentle man who loved people, served his local church, and had a way of making everyone feel important.

John is survived by his son, Kevin (Kelli) of Gilbert, AZ, his daughter, Jill (Craig) James of La Pine, OR, 3 grandchildren, 2 great grandsons, and his sister, Bess Roush of Yuba City.  John is predeceased by his wife, Gale (January 2021).

Arrangements entrusted to Gridley-Block Funeral Chapel.