Kenneth Lee Samples, 78, of Taylorsville, N.C., passed away on January 18, 2025, at Atrium Health Cabarrus due to complications of a stroke from two years earlier. He was born November 14, 1946, in Staunton, Va., to the late William Henry Samples and Margaret Slaven Samples. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Mark Alan Samples.

Ken served honorably in the U.S. Army. He was a veteran of the Vietnam war and Cambodian invasion, where he rode as a machine gunner in convoys. After returning from Vietnam, he was stationed at Ft. Monroe, Va. He and his wife returned to Charlotte after he was discharged from the Army, and a few years later, moved to Taylorsville where they designed and built their very special home.

Ken worked in the industrial/commercial roofing industry for over 30 years as a designer, construction estimator and project manager until becoming disabled.

He loved gardening and carpentry work. In his earlier years, he crafted anything from picture frames to tables and benches in his basement workshop. Later on, he added additions to the home such as a pantry, carport and several decks. Even with multiple health issues and worsening disabilities, he continued working on different projects with his daughter’s help. He loved creating and building things for his wife, with the most recent being a koi pond that they enjoyed every day from their bay window.

He was blessed to be able to continue to live at his home and with his family after suffering the stroke in 2022. The family wishes to thank the loving caregivers that assisted in his care so that he could remain in his home: Harley Whatley, Robin Shook, Amanda Hudgins, Karen Auton, Tyra Enloe and Catherine Tuddle. The family is also very grateful for all of the support from the Veterans Administration who provided so much equipment for his comfort and a wonderful team for his medical care. The family also greatly appreciates the medical team and nurses at Atrium Health Cabarrus, and would like to thank them for their loving care during such a difficult time.

The family is so grateful for all of the dear friends that have loved us, and helped us in so many ways, especially during the past two years.

Ken loved God with all of his heart, and he cared deeply for others, especially in their time of heartaches. He was always sure to let his nurses and CNAs know that he felt as if they were worshiping God when they carried out their special calling to help others, such as himself, in their time of dependence and need. He told each one that they were an “Earth Angel” sent by God to help others. This brought a grateful tear to many an eye.

Those left to cherish and honor his memories are his high school sweetheart and wife of 57 years, Berenda Adams Samples, and daughter Stacy Marie Samples. Ken was a loving husband and father, and he will be so greatly missed.

The funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, in the Adams Funeral Home Chapel. George Holleman, Carol and Steve Mitchell will officiate. Burial will follow in the Hiddenite Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 12 noon until 1 p.m. prior to the service.

Memorials may be made to https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org.

Adams Funeral Home and Cremation Services are honored to be serving the family of Kenneth Lee Samples.