Franklin B. Sampson, 67

ABERDEEN - Franklin B. Sampson passed away Tuesday, May 14, 2008, at the V.A. Medical Center, Perry Point.

Franklin was the son of the late John West Sr. and Tressie Slacum-Sampson, born Oct. 15, 1940 in Dorchester County.

Franklin also known as "Benny" attended public schools in Dorchester County. He graduated from Mace's Lane High School in 1958. After graduation he entered the United States Army where he was a sharpshooter and paratrooper for the military. With an honorable discharge from the military in 1969, Frank began working at A.I. DuPont.

Frank left the Eastern Shore and started working at Bainbridge Naval Base, then Aberdeen Proving Ground, then respectively retired from Fort George Meade in 1992.

Frank was a compassionate and loving husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend.

Frank was a member of Mt. Calvary U.A.M.E Church. He was a member of the trustee board for many years. Frank was also a member of the Senior Choir and the Gospel Choir. He was well rounded in the church and available when needed.

Frank was a member of the Mace's Lane Alumni Association, the Triple Nickels, DAV, and was a basketball coach to many. He was very active with the youth.

Frank is survived by his wife, Betty Elizabeth Sampson of 26 years; his son, Donnell Pinder (Lisa) of Easton; daughter, Christine Lindsey (Jon) of Havre de Grace; a grandson, Darius Moore whom he raised of Edgewood. He is survived by his brothers and sisters, Alexander Wongus (Geneva) of Mardela Springs, John West Sampson (Roberta) of Cambridge, William Sampson (Pensacola) of Cambridge, Calvin Sampson of Baltimore, Elaine Stafford, Ella Mae Cornish and Barbara Cummings, all of Cambridge; four stepsons, Thomas Shivers (Thea) of Aberdeen, Mark Shivers (Mary) of Darlington, Jeff Shivers (Karen) of Aberdeen, and Lawrence Cole of Edgewood. He also leaves behind brother-in-laws, sister-in-laws, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, cousins, and friends.

Frank was preceded in death by a daughter, Pandora Pinder; his parents, John West Sr. and Tressie Slacum-Sampson; seven brothers, Garfield Sampson, Ronald Sampson, Joe Louis Sampson, Leon Wongus, Willie Wongus and Andrew Sampson.

Services were held 1 p.m. Tuesday at Mt. Calvary U.A.M.E. Church, 123 Mt. Calvary Church Road, Aberdeen, MD where family and friends visited before the service. Burial folowed in Mt. Calvary U.A.M.E. Church Cemetery, Aberdeen.