Bob Sampson

Bob Sampson was known by multiple terms of endearment, including Dad, Granddad, Uncle Bob, Uncle Bobby, and “nicest man I’ve ever known”—the latter used regularly by friends, family, and caregivers alike. Early on July 13th, the world became a bit less nice, as Bob left behind a life increasingly limited by the effects of Parkinson’s Disease and moved on to what’s in store for perpetually patient and loving souls like his. He will be sorely missed. And those who knew him will forever be better for it.

Bob was born July 17, 1935 in Washington, D.C. He spent his childhood playing sandlot baseball in a sleepy, segregated city during the Great Depression and World War II. After a stint in the US Army, where he served as a Chaplain’s Assistant, he attended George Washington University. He also worked summers at the American Baptist Convention’s Green Lake Conference Center in Wisconsin, where he attended lectures by a young preacher named Martin Luther King, Jr.

A few years later, as part of the young adult group at Washington’s Calvary Baptist Church, Bob met Carol Ruth Rasel, a spirited young nurse from Parkersburg, West Virginia. He was smitten. Bob and Carol married in December 1966 and had two sons, Tim and Steve, born in 1969 and 1971, respectively. Bob and Carol raised their boys in Springfield, Virginia, with Bob working as an analyst at the Federal Reserve and Carol working as a preschool teacher before returning to nursing when the boys were old enough to stop breaking things (including each other). Bob and Carol were both active members of Ravensworth Baptist Church, where they are remembered and loved to this day. Carol was the church pianist. Bob served as a deacon, a Sunday School teacher, a greeter, and even the church’s treasurer.

Bob and Carol were thrilled when their son Steve married Mary Meade in 1996, and their joy doubled when Tim married Leigh Smith the following year. The first grandchild, Francie, was born in 1999 to Mary and Steve. Tragically, Carol died the following year from ovarian sarcoma. After that loss, Bob promised himself and his sons that he would work extra hard to be an amazing grandfather. He did, and he was—to Francie and her sisters, Caroline (2002) and Lucy (2005) and to Tim and Leigh’s boys, Ben (2003) and Luke (2006).

After Tim and Leigh moved to Vermont in 20O4, Bob traveled north regularly to visit them and the boys. He also traveled the world, visiting Ireland, Scotland, England, and Austria on walking tours, and making a pilgrimage to the Holy Land with Ravensworth friends. He also formed a deep bond with Carol Weber, a fellow Ravensworth stalwart.

Through his 70s and early 80s, Bob remained an active athlete, competing in the Senior Softball World Series in Arizona, and playing mixed doubles pickleball in the regional Senior Olympics. He also picked up golf during retirement and enjoyed many hours on the links with friends and family members.

Above all else, he remained a dedicated family man. He joined Steve and Mary for Wednesday night dinners for years. And despite deep personal modesty, he bragged joyously about the many accomplishments of his granddaughters and grandsons. He made a point of staying close to them all, even learning to text in his mid 80s to keep up with their adventures. All five adored and revered him, as did their fathers and mothers and so many others.

Bob was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2012. With help from good medical care and an amazingly positive attitude, he continued to live a full and active life for years. Even as the disease began to restrict his movement, and as the pandemic descended on us all, Bob continued to seek (and so find) beauty, joy, and peace in his circumstances and in those around him. Even as he knew his time was growing short, he chose to dwell in love and hope and kindness.

Over his last few weeks, he repeatedly asked Steve to read him a poem—“Crossing the Bar,” by Tennyson—that envisions death as what happens “When that which drew from out the boundless deep/Turns again home.” He would also close his eyes and smile when he heard the end of the 23rd Psalm: “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

Along with his beloved children and grandchildren, that is the legacy of Bob Sampson, the nicest man many have ever known. May the rest of us follow where he led.

A Memorial Service for Bob will be held at 11 AM on July 31, 2023 at Ravensworth Baptist Church in Annandale, Virginia. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to the Parkinson’s Foundation.