"But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." - Isaiah 40:31

Wilson Connell Sample, Sr., 63, of Petersburg, Virginia, peacefully entered eternal rest and went to be with the Lord on Saturday, July 18, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Wilson was born on June 14, 1963, to the late Wilson Jones and Floretta Sample. He received his education through Prince George County Public Schools and went on to build a strong work ethic throughout his career. He was employed by Tarmac, Vulcan Materials, and Honeywell, where he was respected for his dedication and commitment.

Connell lived life to the fullest and found joy in the simple things. He loved fishing, cruising, playing basketball where his signature one-handed hook shot became legendary among family and friends, riding motorcycles with the Capital City Riders, cheering on his beloved Washington Commanders, watching classic westerns, and sharing jokes that could brighten anyone's day. Above all, Connell loved people, and nothing brought him greater happiness than spending time with his cherished grandchildren.

A proud member of the Capital City Riders Motorcycle Club, Connell faithfully served as Head of Security and Road Captain. He was known for his leadership, loyalty, and unwavering commitment to his riding family.

Connell was preceded in death by his brothers, Richard Sample and David Sample; his sister, Barbara Sample; his nieces and nephews, Randy Sample, Jermaine Sample, Renee Sample, Ravin Sample, and Steve "George" Friday.

He leaves to cherish his memory: his children: son, Wilson C. Sample, Jr. (Karrell); and his daughters, Leah Harris and J'Mai Anderson. He was the proud grandfather of Jordyn, De'Ayshia, Kennedy, Joy, Mari, Kassidy, Ava, Amina, and Giovanni, each of whom held a special place in his heart.

He is also survived by his brothers, Leroy Sample (Sharon) and William Sample (Lucinda); his sisters, Patricia Heath and Rose James (Wilbert); and his beloved nieces and nephews: Nathan, Nathaniel "Tiny", Sherry, Cynthia, Leroy, Daryl, Alonzo, Floretta, Nicholas, Nicole, and Angela, along with a host of other loving relatives and friends.

Wilson also leaves behind many special friends who became family, including Tamara and Allen Hampton, William Bey, Andrea Whitfield, Mr. Jay of Grab and Go, Bruce Woodley, Donald Carter, Jacqueline Anderson, Joyce Blanding and Franklin Johnson.

Connell will be remembered for his warm heart, infectious smile, sense of humor, generosity, and the love he shared with everyone he encountered. His legacy of kindness, strength, and devotion to family and friends will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Services will be held 2:00 P.M., Monday, July 27, 2026, in the Chapel of J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, the Rev. Randall Jackson, eulogist. The interment to follow at Wilkerson Memorial Cemetery.

J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com. Watch the funeral services live online on our J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc. Facebook page or click here to view: https://vimeo.com/event/6075764?fl=so&fe=fs