Bernard "Bernie" Michael Sams Obituary (1946 - 2019)

Having struggled valiantly for more than a year to overcome the effects of a debilitating stroke in 2017, Bernard "Bernie" Michael Sams of Woodmont Drive in Greeneville, died peacefully on Friday, January 11, 2019 at Johnson City Medical Center. He was 72. He is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 47 years, Cynthia Wilburn Sams; a son and his wife, Michael and Karri Sams of Johnson City; a daughter, Jessica Hensley of Greeneville; grandchildren: Seth Noah, and Stella; sisters: Ilene Logue and Barbara Buckner, both of Savannah, Georgia, and Auda Crawford of Corbin, Kentucky; brothers and their wives, Jimmy and Eva Sams of Greeneville and Jerry and Lena Sams of Barbourville, Kentucky; mother-in-law: Jessie Wilburn of Greeneville; brother-in-law and his wife, Jeff and Denise Wilburn of Alexandria, Virginia; aunt and her husband, Louise and Ted Wilhoit of Greeneville; uncle and his wife, Dell and Donna Sams of Corbin; several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Born in Corbin, Kentucky to the late John P. and Nora Mabe Sams, Bernie moved with his family to Greeneville when he was in elementary school. Following his graduation from Greeneville High School, he joined the United States Navy where he served as a medic until he was honorably discharged in 1967. Bernie drove a stock car semi professionally in the Late Model Sportsman Series. He graduated from East Tennessee State University in 1975. Bernie worked at Magnavox for 12 years as a supervisor, foreman, and buyer. Following his years at Magnavox, he held several positions, but he especially enjoyed his time at the Greeneville Sun and his work with children in the after-school program at Tusculum View Elementary School. Bernie never needed to be defined by anything in his career. His purpose was people and his compassion for them. He was a beloved soccer coach, Sunday School teacher, and mentor to countless Greene County young people. He loved sports and music, and was a talented artist. He appeared in many Little Theatre productions, Kiwanis Kapers, and was a member of Take Note, a popular vocal ensemble. An inveterate story-teller, Bernie was much loved by all who knew him. He attended Asbury United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends on Thursday from 4-7PM at Jeffers Funeral Service Downtown. The funeral service will be held on Friday at 11AM at Asbury United Methodist Church, with Rev. Jerry Jones and Rev. Jamie Lively officiating. Interment will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery. Pallbearers are Larry Neas, Wayne Susong, Jason Shelton, DeWayne Worley, Chris Wilhoit, Jeff Sams, Jim Harris, Bob Windham, and Bill Laws. Honorary pallbearers are Jack Richards, Bob Davis, Eddie Humphreys, Richard Parrack, Doug Dearstone, and Jerry Thomas. Memorial contributions may be made to Asbury United Methodist Church, In Memory of Bernie Sams, 201 S. Main Street, Greeneville, TN 37743 or to the Boys and Girls Club, 740 W. Church Street, Greeneville, TN 37745. Thoughts and memories may be shared with the family at www.jeffersmortuary.com. Jeffers Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of arrangements. To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Bernard "Bernie" Michael Sams, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store. print Print Obituary