Richard Hale Samples, Sr. (87) of Taft, California passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 3, 2023. He was born September 11, 1935 in Bristol, West Virginia to Carl Benton Samples and Catherine Elizabeth (Perine) Samples. He was the third of eight siblings, all of which proceeded him in death.

Richard was extremely proud of his five children, eldest son Richard Hale Samples Jr. who passed away in December 2020, son John Carl Samples of Michigan, son Thomas Paul Samples of Nevada, son David Matthew Samples of Pennsylvania, and daughter Rebecca Louise (Samples) Collins of Texas. He has 13 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.

Richard valiantly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War. For recreation during his time in the service, he was a boxer where he received the nickname of Tricky Dick due to his fighting spirit in the ring. After the service, he worked in the oil-fields for Santa Fe Energy in California for thirty years.

Richard was known for his charm, sense of humor, and generosity. He was a loving, kind passionate man who enjoyed auto mechanics, fishing, and watching his favorite football team (The Los Angeles Rams).

The family will celebrate Richard's life with close friends before laying Richard to rest in Salem, West Virginia.