Dr. Antonio Layson Samson

Dr. Antonio Layson Samson, a cherished father, grandfather, and husband passed away on February 27, 2023, at Emory St. Joseph’s in Atlanta, Georgia.

Antonio was born in San Jose in the province of Neuva Ecija in the Philippines on August 10, 1936 to Marciano & Soledad (Layson) Samson. He graduated from University of Santo Tomas Medical School in 1962 and completed his residency training in St. Vincent's Hospital in Jacksonville, FL.  Dr. Samson was one of the two original physicians during the formative years of Tattnall Memorial Hospital (now Optim Healthcare) which opened its doors in 1974.  By 1976 Dr. Samson moved from Glennville, GA to open his own medical practice in Reidsville, GA providing comprehensive care to his local community. He delivered countless numbers of babies, performed many general surgeries, and cared for thousands of members of the community from the newborn to the elderly in the emergency room, inpatient hospital, as well as in his clinic. He was a dedicated physician who loved his work and his community.  His drive to improve his community was highlighted when the Samson’s, along with the Oh family and McFadden family founded St. Andrews Catholic Church.  The church continues, all these years later, to be a bastion of refuge and support to countless souls searching for the love of God.

Dr. Samson lost his beloved wife, Corazon Salazar Samson in 1996. They had five children: Anthony, Mark, Rowena, Eric, and Renata. He enjoyed gardening, fishing, hunting and watching sports, particularly tennis, boxing and NBA basketball.  A few years after losing his wife he retired and spent time traveling and visiting with his extended family in the Philippines, but he found most joy, happiness, pride, and contentment with his children and grandchildren, who affectionately call him “Papa”. He was a gentle soul who enjoyed keeping up with and talking about current events and loved going out to dinner with his family.

Dr. Samson is survived by his children: Anthony, Mark (Dawn), Rowena (James) Montembeau, Eric (Beth), and Renata (Michael) Switzer and grandchildren including Layson, Janie, Madeline, Joe and Matthew.  He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the community he served.

The family will receive friends beginning at 6:00pm on Friday, March 3, 2023, at Low Country Cremation and Burial in Reidsville.  Graveside funeral services will be conducted at 1:00pm on Saturday, March 4, 2023, at the Reidsville City Cemetery with Father Gordian Iwuji officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent in his honor to the American Stroke Association (www.stroke.org)

Low Country Cremation and Burial is serving the Samson family.