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.