Lyle J. Sams

Lyle J. Sams, 89, of Kingsport, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, July 3, 2019 at his residence.  Born in Sullivan County, TN on February 2, 1930, a son of the late Fleet and Birdie Wilson Sams, he had resided in this area his entire life.  He married Dorothy Rutledge on October 30, 1950 in Sullivan County TN.  Lyle worked at Johnson Hillard and attended St. Luke’s United Methodist Church.  He was a member of the JCRC.  Lyle will be remembered as a loving and devoted husband, dad, papaw and friend who loved history and traveling He was an avid NASCAR fan and enjoyed cowboy shows.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy Sams; grandson, Joshua  Sams; and brother, Artie Sams.

Lyle is survived by his daughter, Janet Sams Davis and fiancé, Marty Godsey of Bristol; sons, Mike Sams of Kingsport, Roger Sams of Johnson City, Dennis Sams of Kingsport, and Randy Sams and fiancée, Nancy Carr of Johnson City; grandchildren, Eric Sams and wife, Sarah of Kingsport, and Jessica Sams and fiancé, Kevin Maupin of Kingsport; great-grandchildren, James Collins and Katelynn Maupin; sister-in-law, Carolyn Light; brother-in-law, Paul Rutledge and wife, Mary;  several nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held on Monday, July 8, 2019 at 11:00 am at East Tennessee Cemetery.  Honorary pallbearers will be family and friends.  Those attending committal services are asked to assemble at the cemetery at 10:45 am on Monday.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.