It is with great sadness that the family of J.W. “Jay” Sams announces his passing after a long illness, on Saturday, January 12, 2019, at the age of 83 years. He was the eldest son of Jennings and Maude Russell Sams. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Bob Sams, and a sister, Ruth Berry.
Jay was a United States Army veteran and was a retired greeter at Walmart. He was a member of the Elizabethton Church of Christ and loved his church family. He enjoyed going to yard sales and working on lawn mowers.
Jay will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 57 years, Wava Sams, of the home; and his children, Gary Sams of Hampton, Denise Sams Perdue (David) of Columbus, Ohio, and Sheila Sams Burkett (Wesley) of Gray, Tenn. Jay will also be remembered by his six grandchildren, Tiffany Honeycutt, Gregory Sams, Jeremy Perdue, Tori Perdue, Chelsea Burkett and Brandon Burkett; and one great-granddaughter, Raelyn Sams; and also by four brothers; five sisters; two sisters-in-law; and one brother-in-law.
A service to honor the life of J.W. “Jay” Sams will be conducted at 7 p.m. Tuesday, January 15, in the Chapel of Peace at Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, with Mr. Roby Ellis and Mr. Eddy Craft, ministers, officiating. Congregational singing will be provided by Elizabethton Church of Christ. The family will receive friends in the funeral home chapel from 5 until 7 p.m. Tuesday, prior to the service. The graveside service will be conducted at 2 p.m. Wednesday, January 16, in the Vaughn Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be selected from family and friends. Honorary pallbearers will be Jim Murray, Leslie Head, Blue Bowers and Walter Andrews. Those wishing to attend the graveside service are asked to meet at Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, at 1:15 p.m. Wednesday to go in procession. The family would like to express a special thank you to Dr. Diaz and Dr. Jurdi and the nursing staff, especially Kim, on the second floor at Sycamore Shoals Hospital for the way they took care of Jay and his family. Also, to the elders at Elizabethton Church of Christ. Those who prefer memorials in lieu of flowers may make donations to Elizabethton Church of Christ, 137 East C. Street, Elizabethton, TN 37643. Online condolences may be shared with the family on our website, www.tetrickfuneralhome.com
Mr. Sams and his family are in the care of Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton. Office: (423) 542-2232. Service Information Line: (423) 543-4917.