SAMS, Jimmy – Courtesy Announcement
Mr. Jimmy Sams, 75, of Greeneville, TN, passed away at his home, Monday, 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 and Finance Committee and numerous other committees. He proudly served his country in the US Army for three 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 was preceded in death by his parents, John P. and Nora Mabe Sams; a brother, Bernie Sams and a special friend, Jack Blair.
Jimmy is survived by his wife of 53 years, Eva Baskett Sams of Greeneville, TN; two sons, Jeff Sams of Johnson City, TN, Steve Sams of Midwest City, OK; granddaughter, Jordyn Olivia Sams of Midwest City, OK; brother and sister-in-law, Jerry and Lena Sams of Barbourville; three sisters, Ilene Logue and Barbara Buckner both of Savannah, GA and Auda Crawford of Corbin; special aunt and uncle, Louise and Ted Wilhoit of Chuckey, TN; brothers-in-law and sister-in-law, Cindy Sams of Greeneville, TN, Jerry and Judy Baskette of Burlington, NC, CW and Sue Baskette of Gray, TN; special cousins, Kelyn and Kenny Norton and family, Chris and Trisha Wilhoit and family; several other nieces and nephews and cousins.
The funeral will be conducted Wednesday, September 11 at Eastside Baptist Church at 2 P.M. with Pastor David Fox and Pastor Sarah Varnell officiating. Interment will follow at the Graceland Memorial Gardens with military honors conducted by the Greene County Honor Guard.
Casket bearers will be Chris Wilhoit, Michael Sams, Kenny Norton, Tad Norton, Richard Baskette, Bob Mitchell, John Boys, and Bill Duncan. Honorary bearers will be area coaches of Greeneville/Greene County and especially Bobby Broyles, Dwight Renner, Joe O’dell, Mike Franklin, Fred Sorrells. Special friends, Dave Fountaine, James and Cindy Strange, Lucy Boys, Howard and Mary Jo Slagle, Joan Baskette, Carroll and Linda Shepard, Eddie Jordan, Ray Adams, Wayland Bradley, Richard Morrison, and the Aunt Bea’s Breakfast group and staff.
The family will receive friends from 4 to 8 P.M. on Tuesday, September 10 at the Eastside Baptist Church.
Memorials may be sent to Eastside Building Fund at 195 Serral Dr., Greeneville TN 37745.
This is a courtesy announcement from the Knox Funeral Home.