Robert James Sample

Robert James Sample, 78, passed away on September 9, 2017 in his home in Charleston, South Carolina. The relatives and friends of Robert James Sample are invited to attend his Mass of Christian Burial 10:00 AM Wednesday, September 13, 2017, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 5 St. Teresa Drive, Charleston. The Rite of Committal with military honors will take place at 11:00 AM, Monday, September 18, 2017, at Beaufort National Cemetery. The family will receive friends between 5 and 7 PM Tuesday at the James A. McAlister Funeral Home, 1620 Savannah Hwy., Charleston. Bob is survived by his wife Colleen O’Rourke Sample; his children Beth Weakley, Mike Sample, Marie Thiess, Tricia (and Will) Therrien, Charles Sample and Paul Sample; his grandchildren Justin Sample, Jen Sample, Robby Sample, Caleb Weakley, Seth Weakley, Josh Weakley, CJ Thiess, Tabitha Thiess, Rourke Therrien, Hallie Therrien, Mary Jane Therrien, Mary Cate Sample; his great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews and other relatives. Bob was preceded in death by his parents Charles and Lillian Sample and his siblings Mary, Richard and Edward.Bob grew up in west Texas and graduated from El Paso High School in 1957. After high school he attended The Citadel in Charleston where he received a degree in Civil Engineering in 1961. He worked in civil service at the Navy base before he was self-employed for many years in Charleston. Bob married Colleen on St. Patricks Day in 1962. They were happily married for 55 years.