Albert "Fat Albert" Samples, Jr.

Obituary For Albert "Fat Albert" Samples, Jr.

Albert “Fat Albert” Samples, Jr. was born on May 28, 1937, the oldest son of the late Ernie Mae Jordan and Albert Samples, Sr. He was raised in Wadley, Ga, by his aunts and an uncle. His education was completed in Jefferson County, after which he enlisted in the United States Army in 1954. A proud U.S. Army Military Police veteran and former New York City Police Officer, Mayor Pro Tem Samples lived a life rooted in service, discipline, and integrity. He served three years in the military before returning to his home state of Georgia. He returned to Wadley in 1957 and married Shirley Ann Davis on September 1. They had two daughters in Brooklyn, lived in New York for 12 years, and then relocated to Georgia. His full-time employment in New York was with the USPS, while simultaneously working briefly as a part-time taxicab driver. In 1973, Albert became employed with the Wadley Police Department and later became a member of the City Council. He was a strong and consistent supporter of law enforcement, especially the Wadley Police Department and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. Councilman Samples dedicated decades to public service in the City of Wadley as a Councilman and in Jefferson County as a School Board Member. In both roles, he sought to make his tenure a positive experience for both him and the citizens he was elected to serve. He was first elected to the Wadley City Council in 1977 and served the city across multiple terms spanning nearly five decades. His service on the City Council included the following periods:• 1977–1979• 1990–1993• 1998–2001• 2004–2007• 2008–2011• 2012–2015• 2020–2023• 2024–2025Following the passing of Mayor B.A. Johnson on May 26, 2001, Councilman Samples stepped forward to serve as Interim Mayor from June 2001 through December 31, 2001, ensuring stability and continuity during a difficult time for the city.Mr. Samples was elected Mayor Pro Tem during multiple terms, serving from January 11, 2010, through December 31, 2015, and again elected on January 8, 2024, serving in that role until his passing on December 13, 2025. During his service, he also assumed the role of a trusted advisor to Mayor Harold Moore, offering steady counsel, institutional knowledge, and guidance rooted in experience and respect for the governing process.

Throughout his career, Councilman Samples maintained an unwavering commitment to public service and professional development. He played an active role in the Georgia Municipal Association, a testament to his dedication to municipal leadership and the betterment of his community. Councilman Samples’ pursuit of excellence led him to complete rigorous professional training programs designed for elected officials. Among his accomplishments was graduating from the Robert E. Knox Jr. Municipal Leadership Institute, where he further honed the skills and knowledge essential for effective governance. In recognition of his steadfast dedication, Councilman Samples was honored with the Certificate of Dedication Award, highlighting his willingness to go above and beyond in serving the City of Wadley and its residents. His lifelong commitment to learning and growth reflected the genuine care he had for his city and the people who called it home.

Councilman Samples’ commitment to education was evident throughout his life. Driven by a love for learning and a steadfast work ethic, he continually sought opportunities to expand his knowledge and skills. This dedication led him to enroll at Swainsboro Technical School in Swainsboro, Georgia, where he earned an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice. His academic achievements reflected his belief in the importance of ongoing education as a foundation for personal and professional growth. In addition to his academic pursuits, he found great fulfillment in his career as an auto mechanic. He developed a reputation for his expertise in working on transmissions, a specialized skill for which he became widely known.

Guided by his strong belief that genuine service is rooted in faith, Councilman Samples was a dedicated member of Brinson Hill Missionary Baptist Church. During the late 1970s and early 1980s, he served faithfully as a Trustee, offering his time and effort to support the church and its various ministries.

Councilman Samples was a familiar figure in Wadley’s annual Christmas parade. Each year, he looked forward to participating in the festivities, enthusiastically sharing candy and beads that he had brought back from Mardi Gras in New Orleans. He took great pride in ensuring his truck and parade floats were lavishly decorated. His dedication helped the event grow, as more cars and floats joined the parade each year, further strengthening the sense of community and celebration in Wadley.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of 68 years, Shirley Ann Davis Samples; daughters: Jeannette Samples (Berry, Sr) Harmon, Elaine Samples (Milledge, III), Kyler, Angel Drayton Samples, and Asaleaner (Tweety) Drayton Samples; three grandchildren: Berry L. Harmon Jr. (Erika), Jaleesa Harmon Walker (Alex Jr), Evan Thomas Kyler; three brothers: George (Gloria), Jimmy Cross and Willie B. Cross; five great-grandchildren: Bellamy, Braelynn, Berrington Harmon and Harmony and Harlem Walker; two additional grandchildren on which he doted and loved are Kennedy and Elijah Samples; one sister-in-law: Daisy M. Davis; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins who will miss him always.

Celebration of Life will be held, Saturday, December 20, 2025 at 1:00 P.M. at Brinson Hill Missionary Baptist Church, 493 S. Main Street, Wadley, GA 30477

Interment will be held in Brinson Hill Baptist Church Cemetery with Military Honors.

Public viewing will be held Friday, 3:00 - 6:00 P.M. at Davis Funeral Home, 725 Beech Street, Louisville, GA