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E. Virgil Sampson, Jr.

School Board Chairman Passes Away at Age 66

From Staff Reports

County residents are mourning the loss of a long-time political servant who loved his community and his family. Last Wednesday, E. Virgil Sampson Jr., who was currently serving as chairman of the Scott County School Board, passed away at the age of 66.

Sampson served on the Scott County Board of Supervisors for 24 years before earning the first of two terms on the school board. He had previously served as chairman of the board of supervisors and school board and had been a member of the Board of Directors of LENOWISCO Planning District Commission for several terms.

"Virgil was a first class gentleman in all ways," said Scott County Division Superintendent Jim Scott. "You could depend on him to think decisions through and once he had made up his mind, he followed through with the right decision.

"I believe his loss will be felt for a long time to come."

Sampson had the uncommon ability to handle complicated political situations with calm assurance and class. His experience earned while serving on both the school board and board of supervisors allowed him to have a special understanding of each board's role.

A 1957 graduate of Gate City High School, Sampson began working for the Scott Family in 1959 at Scott Jewelers. Twenty-five years later, he bought the business and has continued to operate the store in downtown Gate City.

He was first elected to the Scott County Board of Supervisors in 1971 after his neighbor suggested he give it a try. His father, the late Earnest Sampson Sr., had instilled in his son the value of serving his community and was himself elected to several terms on the Gate City Town Council.

Sampson continued to represent the Fourth District until he lost his seat in 1995 by a mere 9 votes. Following a four-year absence from the political arena, he decided to run for a seat on the county school board, a non-partisan position.

He was elected in 1999 to the first of his two terms and had announced early in January to seek a third term.

Born in Gate City June 24, 1940, he was the son of the late Earnest and Almeda Tate Sampson and had lived in Scott County all his life. Sampson was very active in his church and served as a Sunday School leader, Deacon and Trustee of the First Baptist Church of Gate City. In addition he was a retired member of the Gate City Fire Department and was a member of the Gate City Oddfellows Lodge No. 170.

Sampson was a member of the New Peoples Bank Board of Directors and been active in numerous other organizations throughout his life. He is survived by his wife Connie Rhoton Sampson of the home; daughter, Gina Fuller and husband Dr. Bill Fuller of the Snowflake community; grandchildren, Katie (Pooh Bear), Emily (his Buddy) and Bradley ("Hunker") Fuller; his sister, Frances Perry and husband Bob of Gate City; his brother, Ellis Sampson and wife Pris of Bogalusa, La.; his sister-in-law, Peggy Brotherton and husband Moe; his brother-in-law, Larry Rhoton and wife Kathy, all of Kingsport, Tenn.; nieces and nephews, Kim, Stan, Payton and Ashley Jenkins of Gate City, Robbie, Sherry and Rindi Perry of Gate City, Ellis Lee and Allison Sampson of La Place, La., Hollie, Tommy, Henry and Manning Brooks of Rogersville, Tenn., Matthew Brotherton, Knoxville, Tenn.; special "son" Phil and Lisa Overbay, Pressley and Elizabeth, Gate City; a host of extended family, the numerous friends he made through his many activities and the customers he greeted at the jewelry store.

Funeral services for Sampson were held Friday at 7 p.m. in the Scott County Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Rob Jones and the Rev. Jeff DeBoard officiating. His niece, Kim Jenkins, provided an emotional eulogy about her uncle. Burial services were conducted Saturday morning at 11 a.m. at Holston View Cemetery in Weber City.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the First Baptist Church, Gate City, Building Fund, P.O. Box 97, Gate City, Va. 24251.

Sampson was indeed a gentleman who served with class and distinction for the betterment of Scott County. He will be missed.

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