Walter Sampson of Mathews, age 81, passed away at his home on Jan. 20, 2019.

Walter, better known as Walt, was born March 14, 1937 in Westbury, Long Island, New York, to the late Walter Irving Sr. and Penelope Sampson.

Walt is survived by his devoted wife of 53 years, Mary; their two children, Genji Lawson (Tamir) of Washington, D.C., and Jasmine Sampson (Paul) of Boulder, Colorado; two grandchildren, Fielding Sampson and Yusef Lawson; two nieces, Gail Wharton (Brian) and Geri Skibicki (George), and a host of other relatives and friends. He was truly loved and will be missed.

A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held on Saturday, March 16 at 1 p.m. at the American Legion Post 83, 73 Hookemfair Road, Mathews, Va. 23109.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC).