David Sams Obituary

David Sams

November 6, 1947 -

January 2, 2025

JONESBOROUGH - After years of numerous health challenges stemming from Agent Orange, our precious husband and father, David Sams of Jonesborough, peacefully slipped away to be with Jesus on Thursday, January 2, 2025, at the James H. Quillen Department of Veterans Affairs Community Living Center in Johnson City.

Born on November 6, 1947, in Erwin, David was a son of the late Ray Barry Sams and Blanche Casey Sams.

Survivors include his beloved wife of 43 years, Rita Beals Sams; daughters, Kelly Sams Davenport (Ben) and Anita Sams Davis (Patrick), they were by his side when his Savior Jesus Christ called him home. In addition to his wife and daughters, he is survived sisters, Freida Sams Flores and Phyllis Sams Warrick; brother, Travis Sams; nieces, Amanda Warrick, Kristy Tetens, and Jayme Veith-Perez; nephew, David Anthony Sams; brother-in-law, Dr. David H. Beals (Pamela); and countless friends.

In 1966, David graduated from Unicoi County High School. He later graduated summa cum laude with an Associate of Science degree in Mechanical Drafting and Design Technology from Northeast State Technical Community College in 1993 at age 46, all while working full time and raising his family.

David served more than six years in the U.S. Navy in Hawaii, Japan, and the Philippines as an avionics electronics technician, ATF-3. During his service, he earned the National Defense Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal for his two campaigns in Southeast Asia, and a Meritorious Unit Commendation. His 37-year career as a civilian centered on quality management and engineering for the automotive and defense contracting industries. He retired in 2013 following more than 20 years of service with Delfasco, Inc., as Quality Control Manager.

David held a lifelong interest in model trains and vintage automobiles. He was a gifted storyteller and writer, crafting several autobiographical narratives of his life growing up in the mountains of East Tennessee. Additional pastimes included reading, genealogical research, playing guitar, and creating art in a variety of mediums. David was a natural-born engineer who was hands-on in figuring out how machines and other objects were designed and assembled. He faithfully tended his flowers and vegetable garden, and he never tired of seeing the ocean or loving on a four-legged, furry friend.

David had a servant's heart which held endless capacity for love. He took advantage of every opportunity he had to share his faith and personal testimony about Jesus Christ with others. Throughout his life, his unlimited compassion and humility were evident in his willingness to put the needs of others – whether family, friends, or strangers – ahead of his own without expecting anything in return. His character was marked by gentleness, generosity, and an ever-present smile that reflected his faithful and joyful spirit, even on his most trying days.

The Sams family extends its sincere appreciation to physicians Weston Goring, MD, Mitchell DeShazer, MD, the ICU & C200 nurses, NHC Home Health (Amy & Hunter), and the VA CLC Hospice team (specifically, Holly, Blake, Shannon, & Misty) who lovingly cared for him through his death.

The funeral service for David will be conducted on Monday, January 6, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at Mountain View Baptist Church (150 Champions Lane, Johnson City, TN 37601) where David and Rita have been charter members. Officiants will be Rev. James Cambron, Mr. David Ingle, and Pastor Rich Murray.

A graveside committal service will be held Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. in Mountain Home National Cemetery (Historic Site). Military honors provided by David Crockett High School NJROTC. Those who wish to attend are asked to meet at the cemetery by 10:50 a.m.

This obituary was lovingly written by the family.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.tetrickfuneralservices.com.

Tetrick Funeral Services, Johnson City, is providing services of comfort for the Sams family.

"I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through Him who gives me strength." Philippians 4: 12-13