Joe Sams

(From Ozark Funeral Home)

Mr. Joe Cephus Sams, Sr., 67, of Anderson, Missouri, departed this life on Wednesday morning, February 21, 2018, in the comfort of his home, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Joe entered this life on September 3, 1950, in Bonner Springs, Kansas, son of the late Archie Joseph and Dorothy Elizabeth (Reynolds) Sams. His formative years were spent in Newton County Arkansas. On June 5, 1970, he was united in marriage to Helen Bottoms and together they have shared the last forty-seven years. Helen and he moved their family to McDonald County Missouri in 1981. For several years he was employed by Tyson Foods in their maintenance division. He was also a gifted mechanic. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and simply being outdoors. Joe was of the Baptist faith.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Idus Sams; a sister, Ovie Huber; as well as two infant siblings, Archie Joseph Sams, Jr. and Myrtle Sams.

Joe is survived by his wife, Helen Sams of the home; four children, Rebecca Sams of Vinita, Oklahoma, Joe C. Sams, Jr., of Anderson, Nikki Sams of Anderson and Alicia Sams also of Anderson; four grandchildren, Vanessa Mishoe, Maranda Stites, Milee Sams and Ethan Dollar; three great grandchildren, Makenzie Stites, Kade Mishoe and Riley Mishoe; one bother, Orvid Sams of Ava, Missouri; three sisters, Modena Wise of Tonganoxie, Kansas, Eunice Corney of Deer, Arkansas and Billie Chapman of Lowell, Arkansas; several nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other family and friends.

Funeral services for Mr. Sams are 12:00 noon Friday, February 23, 2018, at the Charity United Baptist Church near Ponca, Arkansas with Pastor Robert Huber officiating. Burial will follow in the Shiloh Cemetery in rural Newton County Arkansas. Those honoring his life by serving as pallbearers are Glendell Reynolds, Jason Reynolds, Justin Reynolds, Troy Huber, Jack Willis and Brandon Willis. The family will receive friends on Friday morning at 11:00 a.m. at the church. On-line condolences may be sent to the family through our website, www.ozarkfuneralhome.com. 

Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of the Ozark Funeral Home in Anderson, Missouri.