John Thomas Sampson

John “Johnny” Thomas Sampson, age 80, of Douglasville, Georgia passed away Thursday, June 8, 2023. He was born February 11, 1943 in Harriman, Tennessee. As a kind, loving and generous man, Johnny relished life, his family and the outdoors. He respected hard work, and had a special talent for caring for animals, both domesticated and wild. Johnny never met a stranger, and often times he'd wander off in public and would later be found deep in a conversation, telling all about the wild things he and the friends of his youth would get in to.

Above all, Johnny loved building, and could build whatever you could dream. He was proud to show off his various (and honestly, genius) creations through the years. He was an expert, self-taught woodsmith who was famously known for "piddlin' around" in his wood shop and back yard, or in the basement tediously organizing every single tool, nail, and belt he's ever owned, using recycled coffee cans and baby food containers...and you best believe he knew where every bit of it was off the top of his head, too!

Johnny loved movies and often stayed up all night watching cheesy horror, action or comedy...but most often, he could be found watching a good Western with his popcorn bowl or some peanut butter crackers, quietly listening in on everyone around him, or dozing off with his cat or a dog on his lap.

Johnny will be sorely missed as the center of the universe for his family, and he will be remembered by the heartfelt, genuine, solid advice and wisdom he shared with us all through the years.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Caryl and Clarice (Beach) Sampson; brothers, David Sampson and Joe Sampson; sister, Judi Anderson; maternal grandmother, Ma Hattie; and maternal grandfather, Pa Daddy, Tom.

Those left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife of 54 (almost 55) years, Judy Sampson; children, John Sampson, Jr. (Leanne), Tabitha Rohm and Tara Jackson (Bob); sister, Trudy Edwards; six grandchildren, Jessica, Bridgette, Dylan, Thomas, Matt and Andrew; six great-grandchildren, Aidyn, Ryker, Reece, Ella Jane, Kaylee and Lakelynn.

The family will be planning private services.

Thoughts and condolences to the family may be shared online at www.whitleygarner.com.

Whitley-Garner at Rosehaven Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the services of John Sampson.