SAMPSON, Roy Lee

Meldrum Mortuary & Crematory Mesa, Arizona Roy Lee Sampson June 2, 1931 ~ April 30, 2012 Roy Lee Sampson, born June 2, 1931, went to the Lord on Monday, April 30, 2012, while comforted at his bedside by his loving family. Roy began his life of adventure in Denver Colorado. As a young man, he was a hunting guide in Alaska. He also served in the Air Force during the Korean War. After marrying in 1952, he moved to Flagstaff, Arizona where he bought run-down hotels, renovated them and sold them for a profit....he was the quintessential entrepreneur. He later moved to Scottsdale and bought a mobile home park in Mesa, which later evolved into one of the largest Recreational Vehicle Dealerships in the nation, Little Dealer, Little Prices, now owned and operated by his children. After retiring in the 90's, he moved back to Alaska, where he fulfilled his dream of enjoying hiking and hunting in the wilderness. His life was filled with exciting adventures, not the least of which was surviving an African male lion attack in Africa. He is only one of a handful of people who have lived to tell the story. This and many of his other adventures are chronicled in the recently published book "Twilight Zone of the Huntress" written by his wife Kay Evon Sampson who accompanied him on many of these adventures from Alaska to Russia, to Africa, to Australia. Roy is survived by his wife, seven children, fifteen grandchildren, two great grandchildren and his life-long friend and ex-wife, Vivian Joy Sampson. Roy was very involved with his church, family, philanthropy and was well known as a man of integrity and honor. He will be greatly missed by many, many people. A CELEBRATION OF LIFE service is planned for Sunday, May 6, 2012 at 1:00 PM at Meldrum Mortuary, 52 N. Macdonald, Mesa AZ 85201