William Lyle (Bill) Sams Obituary (1937

William Lyle (Bill) Sams, MSgt, USAF Retired, 79, was called home to Heaven by Jesus, whom he loved and served, on Thursday, March 2, 2017. Bill was a member of Pleasant Vale Cumberland Presbyterian Church. A member of the last graduating class from Chuckey High School in 1955, Bill was raised on a farm in the Chuckey community. Bill loved the farm life, but his passion was to serve in the Military. He first joined the Marine Reserves. After serving a year, he actively enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1956. Bill's oversea travels included South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines, and also many of our United States, where he worked as a Procurement Officer. He was repeatedly commended for his abilities to acquire equipment and supplies needed by our service men and women and his ability to find unique ways of getting the materials to their destination. He was a graduate of the NCO Academy and enrolled and participated in numerous educational opportunities offered during his enlistment. His last duty station was also his favorite, Anchorage, Alaska. While there, Bill was blessed with the opportunity to travel to remote military sites in Alaska to assess, document and order supply needs. Upon retiring in 1977, Bill moved his family back to East Tennessee. He initially returned to the work force at Thomas Industries, in Johnson City, where he again worked in Procurement until the plant was sold. He then returned to federal employment, where he was a postal carrier working out of the Jonesborough Post Office. He delivered mail during the day and flowers during the late afternoon, as he and his wife, Wanda (Peters) Sams were co-owners of the Jonesborough Floral Shoppe, with their son in law, Bob Street. For over 13 years, Bill enjoyed the interaction with friends he met and made through his mail and flower deliveries. After retiring from the post office and the sale of the floral business, Bill enjoyed bowling, flower and vegetable gardening, his furry friends, and the increased interaction of his families at home and church. He traveled, making short trips to Florida and Colorado, but never fulfilled his dream of returning to Alaska. In addition to Wanda, his wife of 60 years, Bill is survived by 3 children, Tommy L. Sams, SMSgt, USAF Retired, and his wife, Peggy, of Greeneville, Tammie L. Street and husband, Bob, of Johnson City, and TeNisha (Bunky) L. Collins and husband, John, of DeLand, Florida; 9 grandchildren, Cheree' Keasling and husband, Larry, Tiffani Estepp and husband, James, Dakota Sams, Jonathan Bullen and fiance', Brooke Kinser, Jason Bullen and wife, Lauri, Lindsay Bullen, Brian Street, Brooke Street and Eric Collins; brother in law, Glenn Peters and wife, Kathy, sisters in law, Carol Peters and Judy Peters; 17 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild; many nieces and nephews; special family friend, Sherri Forrest, whom he loved as a daughter; and his furry buddy, Tazzy. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, William Ernest and Charmie Letha (Derting) Sams; sister, and brother in law, Mary Josephine and Clinton Ray Nease; brother in law, Buford Daniel Peters. The family will receive friends Monday, March 6, 2017 from 4-7pm at Jeffers Funeral Service at Afton. The funeral service will follow visitation in the funeral home chapel, with Rev. Ronnie Duncan and Rev. Chris Baines officiating. The Greene County Honor Guard will conduct a military graveside service, Tuesday, March 7, 2017 at 3pm at Fairview CP Cemetery. Pallbearers will be grandsons, and great-grandsons, Josh and Peyton Estepp. Honorary Pallbearers will be Ricky Franklin, Dr. Robert Mosca and the remaining alumni of the 1955 class of Chuckey High School. 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 William Lyle (Bill) Sams, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store. print Print Obituary