CSM (Retired) James F. Sample, 78, Clarksville went to be with the Lord, died Thursday, September 10, 2009, at his residence. The funeral will be held at 4 p.m. Tuesday at Neal-Tarpley Chapel with Pastor Mathew Brown and Pastor Kent Holz officiating. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday and from 3 p.m. until the hour of the service Tuesday at the funeral home. Neal-Tarpley Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. He was born November 21, 1930 in Abilene, KS, son of John Edward Sample and Mary Frances Sample. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Bill Sample, and sister, Bernice Chastain. Mr. Sample was a retired Comand Sgt. Major with the US Army serving from 1947 - 1973. He was a member of the Third Battalion 11th Airborne Division, the 101st Airborne Division, and the 187th Infantry "Rakkasans". He served three tours in Vietnam and received the Bronze Star for Valor, the Army Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service with two Oak Leaf Clusters. He was a member of the Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church. Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Gerda (Gerrie) Sample, son, Ron Sample (Loretta); daughter, Sue Ellen Schmidt (Donnie); brother, John Sample; three sisters, Mildred Price, Donna Sharp, and Mary Espinoza; five grandchildren, Jessica Todd (Ben); Jennifer Gee (DeWayne), Angela Bailey, Ryan Sample, and Lauren Blake (Tyler), and five great-grandchildren. Arrangements entrusted to Neal-Tarpley Funeral Home, 1510 Madison Street, Clarksville, TN 37040. Online condolences can be made at www.neal-tarpley.com