Walter Eugene Sampson, 91, of 500 Downs Loop, Clemson, SC, passed away on Monday, July 17, 2023, at his home. Mr. Sampson was born on February 2, 1932, in Alamosa, CO, to the late William Perrin and Joy Anderson Sampson. He began his collegiate education with a Bachelor of Science (with distinction) from the United States Naval Academy. He joined the newly-formed United States Air Force in 1954. Later, he completed two Master's degrees in aeronautics engineering and instrumentation at the University of Michigan. After leaving the service, Mr. Sampson worked in aeronautics in the 1950s and 1960s, contributing to early unmanned flight development, engine design, and the flight panel for the F-4 Phantom II. Later, Mr. Sampson worked in mechanical engineering with a focus on heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC). He continued his career as an engineer until retiring in 1994. Mr. Sampson also completed a Master of Christian Studies from Regent College of Vancouver, and served in a college ministry at Arizona State University. After moving to South Carolina, he regularly attended University Baptist Church. Other interests included history, theology, writing, landscaping, and hiking. He served as a volunteer for the American Red Cross. Mr. Sampson is survived by his wife, Janis R. Sampson; his sons, Samuel Sampson and Mark Alan Sampson; two daughters, Yvonne Sampson Wingo and Lynne Anne Musso; sister, Eleanor Bridell; grandchildren, Steven Craig, James Kaufmann, and Marc Musso; and great-grandchildren, Owen and Kaiya Myers-Craig. A graveside service is scheduled for Thursday, July 27, 2023 at 10 a.m. at the M.J. "Dolly" Cooper Veterans Cemetery, 140 Inway Dr., Anderson, SC 29621. The service will be followed by a luncheon at University Baptist Church, 411 Pendleton Road, Clemson, SC 29631. Events Graveside Thursday, July 27, 2023 10:00AM M.J. 'Dolly' Cooper Veterans Cemetery 140 Inway Drive Anderson, SC 29621 Phone: 864-332-8022