Johnnie Lee Sams
September 22, 1946 ~ December 30, 2019
Born in:
Asheville, NC
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
Asheville Butterfly TrailJohnnie Lee Sams, 73, died on Monday, December 30, 2019, at Mission Hospital.
An Asheville native, Johnnie was a son of the late Katherine Rhodes and James David Sams, Sr. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Evelyn Bailey Sams, who died in 2013, and brother, James David Sams, Jr.
Johnnie was a talented woodworker. He was a 2nd-generation dulcimer maker and that work was his passion. He was also an active member and past treasurer of Reeves Chapel United Methodist Church.
Mr. Sams is survived by his daughter, Becky Owen and husband Jeff; grandson, Ryan Owen; brother-in-law, Ben Bailey; and his beloved chihuahua and sidekick, Poncho.
The memorial service for Mr. Sams will be held on Friday at 4:00 p.m. at Groce Funeral Home on Patton Ave. The Revs. Jody Halstead and Jim Odom will officiate.
His family will receive friends following the service at the funeral home.
A private burial will be held at Reeves Chapel Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Gideon’s International, P.O. Box 140800, Nashville, TN 37214-0800.
Services
Memorial Service: January 3, 2020 4:00 pm
Groce Funeral Home - Patton Ave.
1401 Patton Ave.
Asheville, NC 28806
(828)252-3535
http://grocefuneralhome.com
Visitation: January 3, 2020 5:00 pm
Groce Funeral Home - Patton Ave.
1401 Patton Ave.
Asheville, NC 28806
(828)252-3535
http://grocefuneralhome.com
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I met Johnny before he and Evelyn were married. I always thought they were meant for each other. Evelyn was a dear friend and Johnny was a good, good man. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
I’m extremely saddened by the death of Johnnie. I have many wonderful memories of him as a classmate at Enka High School, and later years. He was always very kind, patient and accepting. He was a gentlemen and genuine friend, a wonderful and sweet soul, who will be greatly missed.
My deepest condolences to his family and friends during this time. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Wanda McElrath Stamey
Johnnie was a great man of God. He read his bible and believed what it said.
He was so considerate of others he helped take care of my Aunt Rachel when she had cancer. She had been helping with Evelyn while she was alive she was so worried that she wouldn’t be able to take care of Evelyn until Johnnie could retire. So Johnnie said that he owed it to Rachel to take care of her.
There’s not many men that would have put them selves out to take care of someone else like that.
He will truly be missed. My prayers are with the family to help them through this but if it helps he is with his beloved Evelyn now.
Although I didn’t know Johnnie personally I believe I’ve come to know what kind of a man he was through talking with his close personal friend, and daughter. Johnnie was xxx No is a great loving, caring, father, friend and Christian who understood the importance of family, and relationships. Such a man is deserving of double honor, and respect. As we symbolically light a candle for him I believe he’s making Heaven a little brighter by his presence.
Sorry for the loss Becky. Will be praying for you and the family.
Hallie and I thought a lot of Johnny. He is an example of all that is good in mankind. He cared for his wife faithfully during her illness. He is our classmate and friend. We will miss his kind and loving spirit.