1958-2026
Donald Ray Sampson was born in Bastrop, LA to the late Deacon T.J. Sampson and Alice Pitts Sampson on July 11, 1958. He gained his wings on May 15, 2026.
He accepted Christ at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church at an early age and then later dutifully served as a Junior Deacon. In 1987, he officially became a deacon, and later Chariman of the Deacon Board and remained a faithful member of St. Paul to this present time. He served as Chairman of Plans & Construction Committee for the restoration of the church saintuary and educational building from 1987-1993, which is what is still displayed as present day St. Paul. His passion for spiritual education and growth led to him working towards achieving his Dean Certification through the Sunday School Publishing Board & Accrediation. Donald’s leadership skills were innate. He had a special heart for mentoring and discipleship as he poured into the Junior Deacons of the church. He served and chaired in numerous areas of ministry with excellence, distinction, humility, and unwavering committment to God’s work.
His dedication, mentorship, and leadership towards church and community carried over into his passion for track and field. He was an exceptional athlete and still holds the record for the quarter mile at Southeast Middle School. He transferred from Pratt Junior College to Pittsburg State University were he studied construction and engineering technology and continued his track endeavors. In 1979, he won the Conference Championship for the 400m and mile relay. In 1980, he was awarded the Prentice Gudgen Award for scoring the most points, winning the 200m, 400m, and mile relay. He became Assistant Track Coach at Pittsburgh State University in 1981 and later recieved the NAIA District Coach of the Year Award.
He pledged Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated at Pittsburgh State in 1980. Upon returning to Pine Bluff, AR, he has been faithfully active as a member of the Pine Bluff Alumni Chapter.
He started as a Housing Specialist for the City of Pine Bluff in 1981 where he later became the Director of Economic & Community Development 1991. After 31 years, he retired from the City of Pine Bluff in 2012 and became the Assistant Executive Director of Pine Bluff Housing Authority that same year. From 2016 to 2018, he recieved the Community Service Award from Living Vessels Organization, Directors’ Choice Award, NAHRO Award from the Arkansas NAHRO Housing Hall of Fame, and a Citation from the Arkansas House of Representatives.
Donald married Earma (Erma) J. Armstrong in 1983, and to the union a son was received, Eric A. Curb, and two daughters, Crystal N. Waters (William), and Saundrea S. Sampson. He has three beautiful grandchildren: Emery, Amzi, and Nya Waters. He has one godbrother Leroy Thompson, one goddaughter Tiffany Taggart, and two grand goddaughters Ka’lynn and Elise.
He was preceded in death by his parental grandparents Mr. Jim and Mrs. Patty Elijah Sampson, Mr. Joe Pitts and Mrs. Polly Gardner Pitts, and his brother Joe Sampson.
He also leaves seven sisters Sadie Rowe (Alvin) of Minneapolis, MN, Emma Swift, Dorothy Reynolds (Ronald), and Pearl Sampson-Freeman of Pine Bluff, AR, Betty Ramey of Milwaukee, WI, Geraldine Earl (William) of Carrollton, TX, and Linda Litzsey (Rickey) of Hot Springs, Arkansas and a host of nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be 6:15 PM-7:00 PM, Tuesday, May 26, 2026, held at St. Paul M.B.C., 1404 South Georgia St. Pine Bluff, Arkansas 71601.
Mr. Sampson's celebration service will be 11:00 AM, Wednesday, May 27, 2026, held at St. Paul M.B.C. Interment will follow at Forest Lawn Cemetery, Pine Bluff, Arkansas.
Obituary Submitted by the Family.
