William Alexander Samber was born to William J. Samber and Mabel Henzie Samber on December 6, 1918. He was the oldest of 4 children, Theron, Ruth, Roland, all of whom are deceased.
William A. Samber Sr. has roots emanating from Key West, Florida where he attended Frederick Douglas Elementary School. An apt pupil eager to be at the head of the class, even in these early years, he adhered to his mother’s educational values to learn; and he was determined to reach his full potential. Raised in the church and cherishing his mother’s Christian teachings, service to others was instilled in him. Early on, he strived for excellence and was desirous of making a difference.
In 1933 the family moved toNew York City where he attended James Fenimore Junior High School. Striving to be all that he could be and living up to his mother’s expectations, he graduated as the Class Salutatorian. As a DeWitt Clinton High School student, he excelled in all his subjects but was a master of mathematics making perfect scores on Mathematics Regents Examinations. His dedication to the needy found him majoring in Sociology at the City College of New York, where he earned his first college baccalaureate degree in 1942.
But something happened in the interim of his pursuit for higher education, along come the War. He volunteered for the United States Army Air Force and scored 100% on the Air Force Entrance exam they said Negroes would not be able to pass! He was sent to Tuskegee Army Air Field inAlabamaand become one of the “Original” Tuskegee Airmen who served in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations during World War II, as a Control Tower Operator. His thorough knowledge of the weather (especially cloud formations), mathematics, daily changed secret radio codes and instructions, helped him to aid his pilots to navigate and arrive home safely. He also helped enlisted men take correspondence courses while in combat. He taught mathematics and other courses to them so that they could complete requirements to receive their high school diplomas. He fought the good fight, non violently against racial discrimination as a soldier and Christian fighting for his country that made him drink from “For Colored Only” water fountains while sitting at the back of any transportation mode. He served in the 301st Fighter Squadron, 332nd Fighter Group with pride and dedication, being honorably discharged.
While in World War II, he met and married his wife, Fanny Augustine Sparks Samber on February 4, 1945. They were the proud parents of Joyce L. Samber, and William A. Samber, Jr. They were happily married for 42 ½ years until her passing at 62 years young on August 15, 1987.
He later went on to continue his education at the State University of New York, which helped him start his education career as a teacher atGeorgeWestinghouseHigh School. He went on to fulfill all requirements to become an administrator. He served as an Assistant Principal at Halsey Jr. High School and later became a principal at Roland Hayes Intermediate School 291 inBrooklyn,NY. He named the school after his brother and Roland Hayes, a musician extraordinaire. A brilliant scholar, Mr. Samber holds a Masters Degree fromQueensCollegein Guidance Counseling and a Masters degree in Educational Administration fromColumbiaUniversity.
Over the years Bill Samber has tirelessly tutored high school students who failed algebra and plane geometry; trained paraprofessionals to work effectively with math teachers; and was the Institutional Representative of the Boy Scout Troop 422 atCalvaryAMEZionChurch. He was a faithful member of Calvary AME Zion church on Guy R. Brewer,Jamaica, and NY for over 40 years, serving on as a Trustee Board Member. He and his wife Fanny A. Sparks Samber consistently taking their daughter, Joyce L. Samber and son, William A. Samber, Jr., to Sunday school.
Bro. Samber was an abundantly proud member of the Claude B. Govan Tri-State Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen, (TAI-nytristate.org), for over 20 years. He served on the Student Tuition Assistance Committee, where 15 scholarships were awarded during our Pre-Father’s Day Celebration, at $1,000 per qualifying student. Bro Samber could be counted to travel here and throughout theUnited Statesto share his WWII Tuskegee Airman victorious experiences, especially with school children from Elementary School to High School. Mr. Samber was in the horse drawn buggy with the other Tuskegee Airmen as an invited guest of President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, for his Presidential Inauguration January 20, 2008. This November 11, 2011, he was interviewed by ABC News during the Veteran’s Day Parade, rode on the Tuskegee Airmen float with the cast of “Black Angels Over Tuskegee” and Academy Award Winner Cuba Gooding. Jr., actor in the outstanding new movie depicting the legendary and phenomenal exploits of the Tuskegee Airmen II, “Red Tails” a George Lucas film.
Bro. Samber was affectionately known as the “Sunday School Dad” as his love and mentoring continued with children in his greatly beloved, Greater Allen Cathedral of New York, where the Rev. Drs. Floyd and Elaine Flake are the Pastor and Co-Pastor. He faithfully served as a door keeper on the Male Usher Board with his cherished brothers.
Mr. Samber was extremely supportive and appreciative of the African-American Caribbean Education Association (AACEAINC.COM), for naming a scholarship in his honor, “The William Samber, Sr. Aviation, Math and Science Scholarship.” Every year for the past 4 years, qualifying high school students receive from $1500 - $2500 in scholarship monies at their annual event in August.
He has been a member of the NAACP for over 20 years.
The Retired Principals Group was formed in the early "eighties" to provide an opportunity for experienced principals to mentor current and aspiring supervisors. William Samber played a vital part in the formation and educational activities of The Retired Principals Group. His expertise in numerous educational administrative areas was invaluable.
On March 29, 2007, William A. Samber Sr. was honored for his heroism and bravery as a Documented Original Tuskegee Airman receiving the Congressional Medal of Honor at the Nation’s Capitol, sponsored by the full legislature, congress and senate, and President W. Bush.
He was a phenomenal man of valor, integrity and moral fiber, who went home to be with the Lord on November 23, 2011. He leaves behind his beloved children- daughter Joyce, son Billy, and a host of loving family, extended family, nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors and friends.
“Mr. Samber was a paragon of intelligence, integrity and compassion. He is an inspiration to me; he has inspired many before me, and will continue to inspire young men and women as long as we keep celebrating his life and accomplishments.”
-Jordan Roberts recipient of the William A. Samber Sr. Aviation/Math & Science Scholarship ’09, Williams College, Williamstown, MA –