Ronald "Ron" Dwight Samples

Ronald Dwight Samples (Ron) residing in Johns Creek, Georgia passed away October 25, 2021 with his wife Jean at his side. He was 89. Ron was born in Hollis, Oklahoma, July 11, 1932, the second son of Ruhl Mason Samples and Opal Marie Osborne Samples.

At an early age, he moved with his family to Pampa, Texas where he finished High School. While in school, he developed an interest in golf and competed in many junior tournaments in the Texas panhandle and Colorado area.

In 1952, he entered North Texas University in Denton, Texas, where he played on the freshman golf team and was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha. Military service interrupted his studies. He was a member of the army from 1953 through 1955.

After serving, he returned to college to complete a degree in Business Administration. In 1957, he became a pharmaceutical representative in San Antonio, Texas later joining E R Squibb Company in 1961 where he was recognized for his outstanding achievements in sales. He was a six-time Go-Getter winner and four-time runner up.

During his career, he held various sales management positions: Division Manager for Dallas-Houston 1967-1971, Regional Manager Kansas City, Missouri 1971-1974, South East Regional Sales Director Atlanta, Georgia 1974-1982, and South East Regional Center Director 1982-1985. In 1987, he moved to Princeton, NJ to become Vice President of sales for Princeton Pharmaceutical Products Squibb United States, where he established an entire sales force. His last job before retiring was Vice-President of Industry Relations for nine of Bristol Myer Squibb’s companies.

After retirement, Ron and Jean returned to Atlanta where he once again began to pursue his passion for golf. He belonged to the Country Club of the South, where he served on the Board of Governors and helped to establish a junior golf program. One of his great joys was to sit on his back porch facing the number eight tee and see a young golfer hit a perfect drive. He also spent many years playing daily games with his golf buddies. He scored his age many times starting at age 70 and was presented a Unique Golf Feat’s award by the Georgia Golf Association in 2008 for scoring 73 at the age of 76 in a golf tournament.

Ron and Jean enjoyed many years of travel both in the Unites States and Europe, however being with their children and grandchildren was always top priority. Ron was preceded in death by his parents, and three brothers, Ruhl Mason, Jr., James Ray, and Glen Royce. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Jean, sons, Ronald Dwight Samples, Jr. (Cindy), Granbury, Texas, Sydney Payne Samples (Julie), Peachtree Corners, Georgia, grandchildren, Payne Taylor Samples, Troy Stafford Samples, Emily Kathleen Samples, Rachael Elaine Samples, Caitlyn Jean Samples and many nieces and nephews. All will miss his delightful way of life where he was always ready for any new adventure.