Obituary: Billy Paul Sams

 

Billy Sams, age 63, born September 9, 1953, died unexpectedly Saturday, January 7th, 2017, at his home in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.

Billy grew up in Kingsport, Tennessee. He completed his doctorate of jurisprudence from the University of Tennessee in 1978. Billy was then a Captain in the Air Force, serving as a JAG from 1978 to 1982. Thereafter, he opened his law practice in Oak Ridge in 1982.

Billy will be sorely missed by his daughter Sara Sams and his bonus daughter Kendahl Seith Moore; his siblings Sandra Sams Ervin and husband Kenny, Lois Sams Young and husband Ralph, Margaret Sams Hickam and husband Jeff, and Wayne Sams and wife Jenny; his loving nieces and nephews; his loyal and trusty sidekick Becky Cox; and countless others.

Billy was a man of worldly knowledge and useless interesting trivia. A true lover of music, books, history, and thought, he was (in)famous for his personalized mixed tapes.

Billy shared his eternal mirth and his infectious and genuine laughter with all those he met. No matter your position in life, Billy treated you with the same respect and endless compassion.
Everyone who ever knew him is a better person for having coming in contact with him. If you ever loved him, you always loved him. And if you ever knew him, you loved him.

Memorial Services were held at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 809 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, on Saturday, January 14, 2017 at 3:30 p.m. with a reception following.

Family and friends request memorial donations be made to the Anderson County Bar Association, 109 West Tennessee Avenue, Oak Ridge, TN 37830, to be designated for the Anderson County Law Library and Student Scholarships.