Joe Cephus Sams Sr.
Sept. 3, 1950
Feb. 21, 2018
Joe Cephus Sams Sr., 67, of Anderson, Mo., died Wednesday, Feb. 21,
2018, in the comfort of his home after a courageous battle with cancer.
He was born Sept. 3, 1950, in Bonner Springs, Kan., to Archie Joseph and Dorothy Elizabeth (Reynolds) Sams. His formative years were spent in Newton County, Ark. On June 5, 1970, he married Helen Bottoms; they moved to McDonald County, Mo., in 1981. He was employed by Tyson Foods. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and simply being outdoors. He was of the Baptist faith.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Idus Sams; a sister, Ovie Huber; and two infant siblings, Archie Joseph Sams Jr. and Myrtle Sams.
Survivors include his wife of 47 years, Helen Sams of the home; four children, Rebecca Sams of Vinita, Okla., Joe C. Sams Jr., Nikki Sams and Alicia Sams, all of Anderson; four grandchildren; one brother, Orvid Sams of Ava, Mo.; and three sisters, Modena Wise of Tonganoxie, Kan., Unice Corney of Deer, Ark., and Billie Chapman of Lowell, Ark.
Funeral services were held Friday, Feb. 23, 2018, at the Charity United Baptist Church near Ponca, Ark., with Pastor Robert Huber officiating. Burial followed in the Shiloh Cemetery in rural Newton County, Ark.
Online condolences may be sent through the website, www.ozarkfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements were by Ozark Funeral Home in Anderson.