- Baptized at Peaceful Zion Baptist Church at age twelve; active in Sunday school and church youth activities.
- Trained in carpentry after Job Corps; certified at Savannah Vocational School.
- Honorably served in the United States Army Reserves; employed by Chatham Steel and Savannah College of Art and Design.
- Entrepreneur and professional painter with his son Yusef, working together in the painting trade.
- Cherished for drums, dancing, impersonations, and bringing smiles; final care provided by Historic Bynes-Royall Funeral Home, director Edward D. Musgrow.
“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His Saints.”
Psalm 116:15
Mr. Terry V. Sams, 69, quietly entered into God’s Kingdom on Sunday, July 6, 2025 at his residence with his loved ones by his side. He was the son of Elmo and Thelma Allen Sams and the 3rd of 7 children. His father, in addition to his brothers Tommy Allen and Anthony Sams, son Avon Sams, and his wife Lavern Sams preceded him in death.
At the early age of twelve, Terry was baptized at Peaceful Zion Baptist Church, Savannah, Georgia. He loved Sunday school was active in the church’s youth activities.
He was educated in the public schools of Savannah Chatham County. He joined the Job Corp for 3 years after which he attended Savannah Vocational School where he received his certification in carpentry. Terry honorably served in the United States Army Reserves. He was employed by Chatham Steel and Savannah College of Art and Design. Terry’s profession was that of an entrepreneur where he and his son Yusef were professional painters by trade.
Terry was very enthusiastic when it came to his drums. He loved dancing, impersonating individuals, and bringing a smile to the faces of his family and friends. “Raising Cain” was an occasional pastime.
Terry leaves to cherish his loving and fond memories, his devoted, loving and caregiver mother, Mrs. Thelma A. Sams; children, Michael McMadden of Chicago, IL, Yusef Jackson of Savannah, GA, Shamika Rhinehart of Tiffton, GA, Terrica Sams, and daughter-in-law, Janika Sams of Savannah, GA.; siblings, Elise S. Wilson (Carl) of Enterprise, AL, Patrica A. Shareef (Omar), Therion Sams, and Melvin Sams (Diane) all of Savannah, GA.; nieces, Contrena L. Reese (Harvey) of Atlanta, Ga, Precious Graham, Angel Sams, and Imani Shareef all of Savannah, GA; nephews, Maurice Brown (Edith), Warren K. Roundtree, and Arkeem Manigo all of Savannah, GA; grandchildren, Terkrya Hall, Rhoda Jackson, Charlie and Joshua Williams, Jayvon Sams, Lilly Sams, Harmony Rhinehart, Laraven Rhinehart, Kaylin Franklin, and Pedro Walker; great grands, Londyn Hall, and Laila Fennell; best friends Charles Collins, Horace Houston and Reginald Simmons; special friends Dwayne Newby and Felicia Michelle Glover and a host of other relatives and friends.
During this time of uncertainty, we request continued prayers as well as acts of grace, wisdom and spiritual support for the family.
Final care and Service of Compassion are being provided to the Sams Family, with Grace, Love and Dignity by:
Historic Bynes-Royall Funeral Home Inc.
204 West Hall Street Savannah, Georgia 31401
Tel: 912-233-2175 ~ Fax: 912-234-9343
Mr. Edward D. Musgrow – Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer
Owned and Operated by the Bynes Family
“A Ministry of Love, Comfort and Prayer”
PRECIOUS IN THE SIGHT OF THE LORD IS THE DEATH OF HIS SAINTS. PSALM 116:1
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