JIMMY RAY SAMS Obituary (1944

Jimmy Sams, 75, of Greeneville passed away at his home, September 9, 2019. Jimmy served as an educator, coach, and friend to students for 35 years, having poured his heart into those he coached and mentored. He also served as a Greene County Commissioner for over 20 years, served as Republican Caucus leader for a number of years, chairman of Budget & Finance Committee & numerous other committees. He proudly served his country in the US Army for 3 years to include a tour of duty in the Republic of Korea in 1963. He was an avid Atlanta Braves fan, golfer, and enjoyed fishing as a favorite pass time. He was a member of the Loyal Oder of the Moose #692 and Eastside Baptist Church. Jimmy is survived by his wife of 53 years: Eva Baskett Sams; 2 sons: Jeff Sams of Johnson City, Steve Sams of Midwest City, OK; granddaughter: Jordyn Olivia Sams of Midwest City, OK; brother & sister-in-law: Jerry & Lena Sams of Barbourville, KY; 3 sisters: Ilene Logue, Barbara Buckner both of Savannah, GA, Auda Crawford of Corbin, KY; special aunt and uncle: Louise & Ted Wilhoit of Chuckey; brothers-in-law and sister-in-law: Cindy Sams of Greeneville, Jerry & Judy Baskette of Burlington, NC, CW & Sue Baskette of Gray, TN; special cousins: Kelyn & Kenny Norton & family, Chris & Trisha Wilhoit & family; several other nieces and nephews and cousins. Jimmy is preceded in death by his parents: John P & Nora Mabe Sams; 1 brother: Bernie Sams; special friend: Jack Blair. The family will receive friends from 4 to 8 pm on Tuesday, September 10, 2019 at Eastside Baptist Church. The funeral will be at 2 pm Wednesday, September 11, 2019 at Eastside Baptist Church with Pastor David Fox and Pastor Sarah Varnell officiating. Interment will follow at Graceland Memorial Gardens with Military Honors conducted by the Greene County Honor Guard. Pallbearers will be: Chris Wilhoit, Michael Sams, Kenny Norton, Tad Norton, Richard Baskette, Bob Mitchell, John Boys, and Bill Duncan. Honorary Pallbearers: Area Coaches of Greeneville/Greene County & especially Bobby Broyles, Dwight Renner, Joe O’dell, Mike Franklin, Fred Sorrells. Special friends: Dave Fountaine, James & Cindy Strange, Lucy Boys, Howard & Mary Jo Slagle, Joan Baskette, Carroll & Linda Shepard, Eddie Jordan, Ray Adams, Wayland Bradley, Richard Morrison, and the Aunt Bea’s Breakfast Group & Staff. Memorials may be sent to Eastside Building Fund @ 195 Serral Dr., Greeneville TN 37745. To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of JIMMY RAY SAMS, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.