William "Fred" Sampson

William Fred Sampson Jr., 90, of Arcola, IL passed away at 11:52 PM on Friday, December 1, 2023 at Carriage Crossing in Arcola, IL.

Graveside service will be held in the Camp Butler Cemetery on Monday, December 18, 2023 at (Noon) 12:00 PM.  Military Rites will be conducted by the Interveterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County.

Fred was born on August 23, 1933 in Pennsylvania.  He was a son of William Fred Sr., and Margaret Sarah (Hawk) Sampson.  He married Judy Brandenburg Woolridge on May 21, 1983 in Arcola, IL.  

He is survived by his wife, Judy Sampson of Arcola, IL, two sons, Dan and Alan Sampson, both of Urbana, IL, one stepdaughter, Sharon Keller of Mattoon, IL, three step grandchildren, JC Keller, Rachel Woolridge and Max Woolridge, one brother, Charles Sampson and his wife Zora of Whitsett, NC.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, David Sampson and John Sampson, and one stepson, Greg Woolridge. 

Fred grew up in the Humboldt and Mattoon area.  He graduated from Mattoon High School in 1951.  He was an Army Veteran.  

Fred’s dad owned and operated an Interior Decorating business and Fred got his start painting while helping his dad many years ago.  From there he went on to work as a painter at the University of Illinois and retired with over 40 years of service in the grounds and maintenance department.  He continued painting for many years after retirement. 

Fred was an avid fisherman and was a member of the Champaign-Urbana Bass Fishing Club.  He loved bowling and bowled in a league at Embassy Lanes in Arcola, many years ago.  

He was a member of the Arcola First Christian Church where he had served as a deacon.  He was also a member of the Painters Union Local 363.

He and Judy wintered in Leesburg, FL for many years, where Fred loved to fish and worked as a fishing guide.