James F. "Chuck" Sampsell

Services will be held Wednesday, February 21, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. from St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church. Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 11:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at McClain-Hays Funeral Home.  Interment will be in Cedarlawn Cemetery. Rev. Charlie Deaton will officiate.   James Francis “Chuck” Sampsell Jr. was born February 9, 1950, in North Carolina, the son of the late James Francis and Connie Sampsell. His family moved to Alaska a short time later where his father worked with the Bureau of Indian Affairs for about eight years before moving to Philadelphia. Chuck graduated from Philadelphia High School in 1968, where he played football and was a proud member of the Adam Byrd Literary Society. He played football at East Central Community College and later earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Landscape Architecture from Mississippi State University. He spent most of his career in the oil and gas industry as a directional surveying engineer in Lafayette, La., and operations manager in Corpus Christi, Texas. Chuck moved back home to Philadelphia in the 90s and worked for Thomasson Lumber Company. He returned to the oil and gas industry as a professional landman. After retiring, Chuck enjoyed working as a starter at Dancing Rabbit Golf Club. Chuck, with his large personality, rarely met a stranger and made friends wherever he went. He enjoyed an active lifestyle. An avid golfer, he was a member of Philadelphia Country Club where he was affectionally known by the nickname “The Hammer.” Chuck enjoyed traveling with the beach being among his favorite destinations. He loved to take early morning rides along the beach before the hustle and bustle of the day began, and end the day watching a beautiful sunset over the water. Cooking was his passion and he enjoyed grilling with family and friends. While living in Louisiana, Chuck became a fan of Cajun cuisine and was well known for his Chicken and Andouille Gumbo, a favorite during the holidays and particularly at Mississippi State University football tailgates. A devout fan of the MSU Bulldogs, he seldom missed a home game with his wife, Jackie, where they could be found under the tents beside the Poultry Science Building. His booming “Let’s go, Bulldogs” and “Are there some Dawgs up in here?” cheers could be heard from afar. Chuck was an active member of St. Francis Episcopal Church. Chuck is survived by his wife, Jackie; daughter, Olivia Cox and husband, Lee, of New Orleans, La.; son, Nick Sampsell of Lafayette; one stepson, Brett Latimer of Philadelphia; one grandson, Henri Cox of New Orleans; two sisters, Cherie Gamblin and husband, Marty, of Philadelphia; and Susan Alford and husband, Pat, of Perkinston; a brother, Mike Sampsell and wife, Emmie, of Acworth, Ga.; and a number of nieces and nephews.Pallbearers are Danny Joe Thrash, Rodney Taylor, Gary Myers, Josh Gamblin, Caleb Gamblin, Marty Gamblin, Grant Myers and Seth Thomas.  Honorary pallbearers are the Men's Golf Association of Philadelphia Country Club.  Memorials may be made to St. Francis Episcopal Church, 10701 St. Francis Drive, Philadelphia, MS 39350.