A funeral service for Mr. Archie Morris Samford, Sr., age 96, of Carthage, TX will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, July 1, 2013, at Jimerson-Lipsey Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Keefe Cropper and Rev. Leah Hanks officiating. Entombment will follow at Restland Memorial Park Mausoleum near Carthage. The family will receive friends from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday at the funeral home. Mr. Samford passed away on Friday morning, June 28, 2013, at his home in Carthage.

Archie Morris Samford, Sr. was born on Aug. 18, 1916, in the Paxton Community of Shelby County, Texas to the late W.A. and Euna V. Hood Samford. He graduated from the Edgefield School in Paxton. From 1937-1939, Mr. Samford attended Tyler Junior College on a basketball scholarship, having won the state championship in both years. In 1939, he attended SFA on a basketball scholarship and earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in 1941, and later his Masters degree. While at SFA, he was a member of the Sawyers. He married Annie Zelia Trichel on June 6, 1940, in Groveton, TX and she preceded him in death on March 22, 2009. After college, Morris worked for Caterpillar Tractor in Peoria, IL. He taught school and became a principal while at Tenaha High School, having also coached basketball there from 1942-1950. Mr. Samford served his country in the U.S. Army during WWII where he served in the Armored Force 521 until he was honorably discharged. In 1951, he taught in Gary, TX before moving to Carthage in 1952, where he taught for several years. He was elected to serve as the County Superintendent of Schools from 1955-1963. He served as past-president of the Rotary Club in Carthage where he was voted "Outstanding Rotarian" in 1956-1957. Mr. Samford served as past-president of the Save the Youth Council and was a charter member of the Panola County Developmental Foundation. In the 50's and 60's, Mr. Samford coached Little League and served as Commissioner of the Pony League baseball program. He worked for Butler Chevrolet from 1963-1971. From 1971-1978, he served as the Panola County Probation Officer. Mr. Samford then served as the Chief Probation Officer for Panola and Shelby counties, retiring in 1984. He was a long-time member of the First United Methodist Church in Carthage where he taught youth Sunday school for many years, was a member, former teacher, and past-president of the Loyal Sons Sunday School Class, served on the Official Board, and was a member of the Methodist Men. Mr. Samford was also preceded in death by his son, Archie Morris Samford, Jr. on November 30, 2008; his son-in-law, John P. Cole; sister, Pauline Needham; and three brothers, Van, Harry, and Paul Samford.

Mr. Samford is survived by one daughter, Barbara Ann Cole of Carthage; three grandchildren, John Michael Cole of San Antonio, Catherine Ann Cole of Spring, and Archie M. Samford III of Longview. Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and many friends also survive Mr. Samford.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to Bethany Home Health and Paige Thompson, Heart's Way Hospice, Dr. Royce Hill and staff, and a special thanks to JoAnn Rhodes and Florette Reese for the loving care shown to Mr. Samford throughout his illness.

Serving as pallbearers are Kabot Baker, Pat Browning, Terry Bailey, Dr. Royce Hill, Olin Joffrion, Jr., and Danny Buck Davidson.

Serving as honorary pallbearers are the Loyal Sons Sunday School Class.

If desired, memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 201 S. Shelby, Carthage, TX 75633.

A guestbook may be signed online at www.jimerson-lipsey.com.