Gary Sams

 **** PLEASE NOTE THE CHANGE IN DATES AND LOCATION*****

Richard Gary Sams, 80, of Gray, went to be with the Lord Saturday, May 11, 2019. He was born in Kingsport and has lived in this area most of his life. A graduate of Dobyns-Bennett, he proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force. Gary retired from I.B.M. after 29 years of service where he was a field engineer. He also retired from Eastman Kodak following 10 years of service. Gary was a member of Crossroads Christian Church. He was an avid gun, plane, and motorcycle enthusiast. Gary loved the outdoors, camping, fishing, and cheering on the Vols.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Kyle and Nell Sams.

Gary is survived by his wife, Portia Sams; son, Richard Sams and wife Sonya; two daughters, Brenda Clear and Tammy Sams; three step-children, Amy Lyman and husband Curtis, Ellen Cother and husband Scott, and Hardy Lane and wife Leslie; four grandchildren, Whitney, Corey, Christopher, and Courtney; eight stepgrandchildren; three great-grandchildren; mother of his children, Anitta Sams; and many friends.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 15, 2019, at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home,  Downtown. The funeral service will follow at 7 p.m. with Clint Andrews officiating.

Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 16, 2019, at East Tennessee Cemetery with Military Rites by American Legion Posts 3/265.

Pallbearers will be Ted Williams, Phil Parris, Tony Saylor, Doug Sams, Chester Hawkins, and Christopher Clear.