Paul Edward Sample, 96, of Wilmington, Delaware, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on March 15, 2025. He was born in 1928 in Chicago, Illinois to Eugene and Rose Marie (Ray) Sample. He was the youngest and last surviving sibling of 3 children.
Paul attended York High School in Elmhurst, Illinois. He was a proud participant in the York Track and Field team, earning many letters and awards. He graduated York in 1946 but actively maintained communications with classmates as recently as a month ago.
Upon graduating high school Paul entered Illinois Institute of Technology. He completed his studies for a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering just prior to enlisting in the Army in May 1951. After two years of active service, he transferred to the reserves and was stationed at the Army Chemical Center in Maryland. It was there he met his wife of 70 years, Jacqulyn (Smith) Sample. Their marriage in 1953 initiated the next chapter in Paul’s life as a husband and father. Taking advantage of his G.I. benefits the young couple moved to Morgantown, West Virginia where Paul earned his Masters and PhD in Chemical Engineering from West Virginia University. While finishing his doctoral studies the first of Paul’s five children was born. Paul’s commitment to providing for his growing family was very strong. Using his educational background he secured an excellent job with the DuPont Company where he worked for over 30 years.
Retirement from DuPont didn’t mean Paul stopped working. On the contrary, he started his own consulting business in 1990. He most actively offered his technical expertise to the State of Delaware regarding many environmental issues. He enjoyed his regular trips to Dover to sit in on legislative hall sessions and share coffee with attendees.
When Paul wasn’t working he would be busy tending to his home and yard. He took great pride in maintaining lush, green grass. He was also an avid gardener…particularly, vegetables. Every spring he would plan out his crops for the coming season. The fruits of this labor often lasted well through to the following season thanks to his wife Jackie’s knowledge of canning and preserving.
Paul was predeceased by his wife, Jacqulyn. He is survived by, sons Gary Sample and husband Wilson Villanova of Coral Gables, FL; Ron Sample and wife Joan Sample of Greenville, SC; Brad Sample and wife Stephanie Ashburn of Sacramento, CA; Whitney Sample and wife Blanka Sample of Lincoln University, PA and daughter Kim Sample Edwards of Wilmington, DE, 8 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.
Services to honor Paul will be held at 1 pm on Friday, April 4, 2025 at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery Chapel in Bear, Delaware.
In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations to Project Lakeview in his honor, https://projectlakeview.org.
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