Rep. Inga Willis Issues Statement on Passing of Thomas G. Sampson Sr.

ATLANTA - State Representative Inga Willis (D-Atlanta) issues the following statement regarding the passing of her uncle, Thomas G. Sampson Sr.:

"With heavy hearts, the State of Georgia mourns the passing of a towering figure in our legal community and a beloved mentor to many, Thomas G. Sampson Sr.

As co-founder of Thomas, Kennedy, Sampson & Tompkins LLP, the oldest Black-owned law firm in the State of Georgia, he stood at the vanguard of civil rights law and Black legal excellence for more than half a century. In courtrooms and communities alike, he blazed a trail that empowered countless attorneys of color and gave strength to voices too long unheard, creating a path for others to rise.

He was a guardian of truth, a defender of rights and a beacon for those seeking justice. A relentless advocate not only for his clients but for his people, he understood that the law could be a tool for liberation and transformation. He wielded it with extraordinary skill and deep moral purpose. He led not for recognition but for impact, and that impact is visible in every corner of the state he served.

He was more than a legal professional. He was a source of wisdom and a steady hand in turbulent times. He reminded us that excellence is not just about achievement but about service. It is about lifting as you climb, opening doors and keeping them open and standing firm when others would yield.

We affirm that his life's work has made Georgia stronger, more just and more reflective of its highest ideals. We commit ourselves to carrying forward the standard he set -one of courage, discipline and love for community.

Thank you for being my friend, mentor and political sounding board. I am forever grateful for your love and support."

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at the Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel, located on the campus of Morehouse College.

*Editor's note: a photo of Thomas G. Sampson Sr. is included.

Representative Inga Willis represents the citizens of District 55, which includes a portion of Fulton County. She was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2022 and currently serves on the Agriculture & Consumer Affairs, Economic Development & Tourism and Small Business Development committees.

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