Herbert (Herb) Sams

Herbert Lee Sams, 83, of Canton, Georgia, passed away on December 25, 2023.  He was born on January 8, 1940, in Cumming, Georgia, to Hurshel and Alice (Callahan) Sams. As a young man, he enjoyed working on the farm, spending time at Lake Lanier with his friends, and developed an affinity for muscle cars and pickup trucks. He married his high school sweetheart, Kathy Looper, on February 17, 1962. They soon started a family of their own with two daughters and lived very happily in Cumming for 44 years before moving to Canton. They were overjoyed as the family later expanded to include three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

His career began as an employee at Gordy Tire in Atlanta where he trained and honed his skills as a mechanic specializing in front-end alignments. He transferred to Otwell Ford Motor Company dealership in Cumming to be closer to home. He later entered into a partnership as part owner of Friendship Body Shop located in the Ducktown community and worked there until he retired. 

He had a tremendous work ethic and an equally tremendous devotion to his family and friends. He was the epitome of living life to the fullest, being spontaneous and adventurous, cheerful and kind, and humble and compassionate. To be awakened in the middle of the night for a spontaneous road trip to Florida was a common occurrence. He loved being at the beach and explored practically every nook and cranny of the United States but only by vehicle as he vowed to never set foot on a plane. He loved "tinkering" with classic vehicles, mostly trucks and–remaining true to his roots–only Fords. He loved sports, especially Georgia Bulldogs football. He loved learning how things worked and building anything and everything he could imagine. He was the quintessential “jack-of-all-trades” excelling in all aspects of life. He was a pillar of the community, and his daughters never got away with anything because everyone knew their Dad. 

As a member of Friendship Baptist Church, he enjoyed Sundays filled with music and fellowship, often arriving early with food in hand. He served on the benevolent committee and supported the Helping Hands mission for many years. He found great happiness and a profound purpose representing the church and giving back to the community. 

He is preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Kathy Looper Sams, his parents and siblings, Hoyt Sams, Troy Sams, and Frances Chadwick. 

Surviving are his daughters and sons-in-law, Donna and Lynn Rowland and Kimberly and Donald Gray; grandchildren, Emilee (Andrew) Cooper, Joseph (Chelsea) Rowland, and Allyssa Rowland; great-grandchildren, Xavier, Olivia, and Nevaeh Cooper; and many family members and life-long friends. 

A special, heartfelt thank you to the wonderful staff at The Oaks at Shiloh Point for providing exceptional care, support and guidance, and unwavering compassion and love for Herb, Kathy, and their family. 

Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 30, at 1:00 p.m. at the Ingram Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Ricky Byrd and Rev. Lee Gaddis officiating.

The family will receive friends at Ingram Funeral Home on Friday, December 29, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. and on Saturday, December 30, from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Dementia Society of America. Ingram Funeral Home, 210 Ingram Ave, Cumming, Georgia, is in charge of arrangements.