Donald Sams

Jack Donald Sams, Canton, GA, died October 17, 2024, and was 93 years old. He was born October 27, 1930, in Canton to the late Trenton D. Sams and Irene Ellis Sams. Mr. Sams was married to the former Margaret Gail Stephens on December 16, 1954. They would have celebrated their 70 th wedding anniversary on December 16 th of this year. Mr. Sams graduated from Reinhardt College on a two-year scholarship and upon graduation taught two years at Hickory Flat Elementary School before being drafted in the Army during the Korean War. Upon being released from the service, Mr. Sams attended the University of Georgia under the GI Bill and earned his bachelor’s degree in history in 1955. Upon graduation, he taught one more year at Hickory Flat before transferring to the new Cherokee High School in 1956. He received his master’s degree in 1959 and became Assistant Principal and served in that capacity until 1966 when he left to become the High School Principal at Jackson High School in Jackson, GA. Mr. Sams left Jackson in 1969 to become the Principal at Madison County High School in Danielsville, GA., and served there for four years before accepting the job of Principal at Monroe Area Comprehensive High School in Monroe, GA. In 1982, Mr. Sams returned to Canton as the Principal at Tippens Elementary School for four years before becoming the Principal of Etowah High School in Woodstock, GA. He continued there until his retirement in 1990. Mr. Sams was also extremely active in the community. He was a member of the Canton First Methodist Church where he taught Sunday School for many years. He also served on the Cherokee County Election Board for 28 years. In addition, he served on the Tax Equalization Board, Jaycees, Rotary Club, and Secretary to the local Democratic Party. However, with all of his commitments to his community and to his family, he never let that get in the way of cheering for his beloved Georgia Bulldogs. He was a Georgia Bulldog through and through. Mr. Sams was preceded in death by his brother James Harold Sams and his sisters Sue Sams Haley and Patricia Sams Wallace. Survivors include his children and their spouses: Stephen Sams (Cimberly), April Sams Halliday (Robert) and Michael Sams. He is also survived by his grandchildren Sarah Grace Sams, Tera Carr (Dylan), Jonathan Rethford (Megan), three great-grandchildren and sister-in-law Fayelynn Sams. Family request in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Canton First Methodist Church Building Fund, 930 Lower Scott Mill Road, Canton, GA 30115. The staff of Darby Funeral Home is honored to serve the Sams Family.

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Donald Sams

October 27, 1930 - October 17, 2024