Burgess “Sammy” Sams
Burgess “Sammy” Sams, beloved father, brother, and grandpa passed away on July 4, 2022, at home. Sammy was born in Livingston, Kentucky on November 28, 1929, to Alfred Andrew Sams and Maggie Mae (Clark) Sams. The sixth of nine children, Sammy’s tenacity and deep sense of responsibility developed at a young age from working on the family farm after the untimely passing of his father.
At seventeen, he joined the army and completed his GED during boot camp to become a Private of the 187th Airborne Rangers 3rd Company. While serving deployment in Korea his unit was dropped behind enemy lines in the dark of the night on a special mission. Sammy’s parachute was caught in a tree, and he was left hanging in the dark. Although he heard explosions all around him, he was unable to free himself until morning. He eventually located and reconnected with the troops after hiding out in various foxholes as he moved along. Some of the details of this mission have been highlighted in a book entitled Regular Army Corporal by Richard D. Elmers. Upon his honorable discharge, Sammy received the Combat Infantry Badge Korean Service Medal with two bronze Service Stars for service to his country. He maintained his love for America and the Army throughout his life, and his service sparked the fire of adventure that took him all over the world through his travels and kept him riding rollercoasters well into his 80’s.
Following the Korean war, Sammy became a successful plant manager for the companies of Boise Cascade, Elgin Corrugated and Inland Containers. He married his true love, Wanda in Indiana on June 8, 1957, and they had one daughter, Joyce, born November 17, 1958. After years of opening and managing plants across the country, at 55 Sammy retired with Wanda to New Smyrna Beach, Florida where they spent many happy years with great friends before moving to Texas to live with Joyce and her husband Jonathon and their daughter Kelly.
He leaves behind his devoted daughter, Joyce Gomez and her husband Jonathon; granddaughter, Kelly Todd (née Gomez) and husband Philip; stepchildren, Hubie Sams and Louise Raines and their families; brothers Fred Sams and wife Christine; and Herman Sams; and numerous nieces and nephews throughout the country.
Sammy is preceded in death by his loving wife, Wanda Sams, as well as his parents and 6 of his siblings.
Memorial contributions may be made to Veterans of Foreign Wars; 1882 Park Street, Beaumont, Texas 77701.
A gathering of Mr. Sams’ family and friends will be from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with a Rosary recited at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, July 7, 2022, at Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont. His graveside service with military honors will be 11:00 a.m., Friday, July 8, 2022, at Magnolia Cemetery, 2291 Pine Street, Beaumont.
Gathering of Family and Friends
Broussard’s Mortuary McFaddin Ave.
- 2000, Mcfaddin Avenue, Beaumont, Texas, 77701,
- July 7, 2022
- 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Rosary
Broussard’s Mortuary McFaddin Ave.
- 2000, Mcfaddin Avenue, Beaumont, Texas, 77701,
- July 7, 2022
- 7:30 pm
Graveside Service
Magnolia Cemetery
- 2291, Pine St, Beaumont, TX, 77703,
- July 8, 2022
- 11:00 am
Grandpa,
My first memory that came to mind when hearing of your passing was the 4th of July parade in Elgin Illinois. You drove your old Chevy and Geoffrey (my cousin) and I rode in the back waving at everyone. I also remember the story I was told about me being a little girl running through hall yelling Hode de do (hold the door) grandpa because I wanted to go where you went. Life and distance unfortunately kept us from seeing each other as much as I would have liked but I love you and will alway cherish the memories and our porch time and talks when I would come visit in Beaumont.
We are a friend of Hubert Sams. We are so sorry for your loss! I highly respect our military soldiers. They put their lives on the line everyday! I’m sure you all are so very proud of him!! We will pray for the comfort and peace for all of your family!!
I am the last son and was only 2 when my father passed away. Brother Burgess always told how my other brother Fred and I stood at the window and waved to him as they took him away.
He also was the one that came and got me when I ran away.
He use to say that one time he took me around and tried to sell me for a nickel,but nobody would buy me.
He will be dearly missed.
I am one of the many nieces! I am Andrew’s youngest child. I just wanted to give my condolences. Although I never got to see him often I remember as a kid how kind and funny he always was to us. You could see how much he loved family. Sorry for your loss.
So sorry for your loss. I know he will be sadly missed. May you find comfort in the many memories you shared. God Bless.
Marlys and Thomas
Williams
My Uncle Burgess was one of the absolute best souls I’ve ever known. Always loyal and fiercely proud of his family. My brother and I loved him dearly. He loved making us laugh at the “embellished” stories he told, with a twinkle in his eye. He was quick with a tall tale on cue.
There’s a hole in my heart that will never be filled, that will hold my love and memories for this great man.