Jimmy Ray Samuel was born on June 18, 1951, in (Bleakwood) Kirbyville, Texas, to parents Corene and Theodore, Sr. He was one of ten children; he had five sisters and four brothers. He attended Rockzion C.O.G.I.C in his early youth.

Jimmy attended his earlier years of school in Biloxi, where he enjoyed playing the game of basketball with the Biloxi Bees, and his later years at Kerr High School, Newton, Texas. Jimmy attended Job Corp. in Boise, Idaho, at the age of seventeen. Jimmy started working at a young age. He worked in the logging industry most of his life as a skidder driver. He was very skilled at his job and was often given nicknames such as "Jimmy Hopper." Jimmy worked for over thirty years with Fomby Timber Co. before he retired. Jimmy enjoyed time with his family and friends. Jimmy met and married Betty Jackson on August 15, 1978. Jimmy had four beautiful daughters, whom he thought the world of.

Jimmy was a very well-rounded and outspoken individual. To know him was to love him. He came off as hard around the edges but had the biggest heart ever. Jimmy loved his family whole heartedly. Jimmy was intelligent and full of wisdom. Jimmy loved to cook, (bar-b-que for family reunions in particular), listen to his radio, tend to his gardens and mow yards. Jimmy supported and encouraged his children and grandchildren in each of their endeavors. He helped and would always lend a hand with whatever he could. If you were ever in Jimmy's presence, you would surely leave with a memory and a story to tell. He was one of a kind, but definitely left his mark. The presence of him sitting on the back of his tailgate enjoying life and listening to his radio will be greatly missed.

Jimmy departed this earth on October 20, 2022, surrounded by family. Jimmy was preceded in death by his mother and father, Corene and Theodore "Samuel" Sr.; brothers, Theodore Samuel, Jr., and Joe Lewis Samuel; sisters, Lois Taylor and Mable Samuel Bennett; and daughter, Monica Lynn Samuel.

His memories will be cherished by: his wife, Betty Samuel; daughters, Michelle Booker (Wade), Rebecca Hanks (Jerome), and Bridgette Samuel Barlow (Herb); two granddaughters, Ebony Foster and Albany Ashworth; eight grandsons, LeDarrion Newman, DeMarcus Newman, Jaron Hanks, Ke'Tavion Hadnot, Jatarious Hanks, Terrance Booker, Jaydon Hanks, and Zayden Barlow; two great-grandsons, Ja'Ron Hanks and Jaron Hanks, Jr.; brothers, Earnest Samuel and Eugene Samuel; sisters, Rosetta Franks, Willie Mae Bennett, and Shirley Adams (Sammy); and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.