Bobby Joe SamsJohnson City , TNIt is with great sadness that the family of Bobby Joe Sams, of Johnson City TN, announces his passing on September 29, 2017 at the age of 80 years old. Bobby Joe Sams was born on September 3, 1937 and grew up in Johnson City, TN. Bobby attended Happy Valley High School and Milligan College where he received a basketball scholarship. Bobby had a successful career in the chemical industry. He was VP of sales for PB&S Chemical, and the general manager of Specialty Chemical. He was the founder of Sams, Sams and Sams. Bobby also served our country in the United States Army. Bobby was very active in his community and loved sports. He was instrumental in the development of the West Knoxville recreation ball program and the Charlie and Jane Bayless scholarship fund. Bobby was an avid pickle ball player and was a true blue Vol fan. Everyone that met Bobby Joe would say they are a better person for having known him. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by an infant son, Baby Stewart; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Bob and Myrtle Wilson. Bobby will be lovingly remembered by his wife of over sixty years, Margaret Wilson Sams, Johnson City, his children, Ben (Jill), David (Stephanie), Michael (Jill), Amy, and Laurie (Brian); his grandchildren, Tate, Bo, Peyton, Lauren, Taylor, Blake, Meredith, Madison, Reece, Reagan, Matthew (Mary) and Ashley (Kyle) will always remember him as their funny, sweet and kind "Poppy". Bob was also the proud great grandfather of Isaiah Daniel and Scott Gerard. Bobby will also be fondly remembered by his siblings, Calla (Jimmy) Fullmer, Pam Kisko, Richard McSwain; his brother-in-law, Charles (June) Wilson; and special friends, Carol Buck and Charlie Bayless. Several nieces and nephews also survive. A service to honor the life of Bobby Joe Sams will be conducted at 7:00 PM on Monday, October 2, 2017 at Central Church of Christ, 2722 E. Oakland Ave., Johnson City, TN, 37601, with Mr. Tim Hall, Minister officiating. The family will receive friends at the church from 5:00 – 7:00 PM on Monday prior to the service. The graveside service and interment will be conducted on Tuesday, October 3, 2017, at 1:00 PM at Sherwood Chapel and Memorial Garden, 3176 Alcoa Highway, Alcoa, TN 37701. Active pallbearers will be selected from family and friends. Those wishing to attend are requested to meet at the cemetery at 12:50 PM on Tuesday.In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorials be sent to Happy Valley High School, C/O Charlie & Jane Bayless Scholarship Fund, 121 Warpath Lane, Elizabethton, TN 37643.Memories and condolences may be shared at www.tetrickfuneralhome.com. Tetrick Funeral and Cremation Services, 3001 Peoples Street, Johnson City, TN 37604 (423-610-7171) is honored to serve the Sams family.