Gerald "Pee Wee" Tevis Sampson
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Gerald "Pee Wee" Tevis Sampson
May 31, 1938 - December 19, 2016
Gerald Tevis Sampson of Beaumont passed away peacefully,
surrounded by family at Methodist Hospital in Sugar Land, Texas on Monday,
December 19, 2016.
He courageously confronted a lengthy illness
with characteristic courage, wit and affability, while he lovingly received
care and support throughout this difficult journey from his daughter, son and
brother.
His nickname “Pee Wee,” was not descriptive of his stature, but
rather affectionately captured his entry into life as a premature infant, whose
colorful character and persona grew exponentially over the years.
A third generation Beaumonter, he was born on May 31, 1938 to
Sade Leaman and Mose Sampson, and raised two wonderfully compassionate and
devoted children, Michelle “Shelly” Sampson Thomas and Lance Lubel, with his
former wife, Susan Sampson Howlett.
Working as a youth at Sampson Iron & Supply Company, Pee Wee
continued a long-time career in the scrap metal business until his retirement
at the age of 65.
An exercise enthusiast, Pee Wee popularized the term “Gym Rat”
before P90X or Kickboxing and was known as “The Man” by a coterie of friends
and acquaintances he inspired with his unique mischief and humor along the path
of good health and physical fitness.
Pee Wee conveyed a Paul Newman-like style of enchanting charm,
generating imaginative and vivid experiences that were recounted with nicknames
and expressions.
His indefatigable devotion to family and forthrightness are the
cornerstones of his legacy.
Survivors include his adoring family: daughter, Shelly Sampson
Thomas and her husband, Tracey; son, Lance Lubel and his wife, Kim, and
granddaughter, Caroline Lubel; brother, Alan Sampson and his wife, Norma;
niece, Sarah Merrill-Sampson; and nephews, Micah and Benjamin Sampson; and
extended treasured family, Susan and Dr. Jimmy Simmons; Aaron Heifetz; Susan
Trimble; niece, Jennifer Lehane and her family; nephews, Mike Simmons, Matt
Simmons, Andy Heifetz and their families; and special friend, Paul Kessler
along with other loving friends.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Pee Wee’s loyal and
committed caregiver, Hilda Ramos, and the staff and personnel at Combined
Glory, whose compassion and care are deeply appreciated.
Mr. Sampson's funeral service will be at 10:00 am, Thursday,
December 22, 2016 at Broussard's 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont. His interment
will follow at Kol Israel Cemetery, Beaumont.
Because of Pee Wee's deep compassion for animals, especially his faithful
companions, Baily and A.J., memorial contributions may be made
to Humane Society of Southeast Texas, P.O. Box 1629, Beaumont,
Texas 77704.
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