Ricky "Rico" Patrick Sams

At the age of 65, Ricky Patrick Sams of Marietta, Georgia passed away peacefully on January 15th, 2019 in his home. Funeral services will be held at 2pm on Tuesday January 22nd, 2019 at Eastminster Presbyterian Church of Marietta, Georgia.

Rick Sams was born on an unseasonably cold day in Akron, OH on April 30th, 1953 and world was never the same.

Rico, as he was affectionately known to his friends and family, was the Captain of the wrestling team at Miami Edison High School. When he wasn’t busy perfecting his three-point stance, Rico was courting the love of his life, Barbara Jones of Miami Shores. From this day forward, Rico and Barbs began a love affair that lasted nearly 50 years.

Rico served his country as a United States Marine after graduating high school. Shortly after, with the help of some creative tactics and a minor electrocution, their “miracle baby” Amanda arrived. Upon completing his service, Rico and Barbs went back to their roots in Miami where Rico continued his civil service commitment to his community as a police officer in the Miami Shores Police Department. Rico quickly rose in the ranks to detective.

After playing the role of civil servant for a number of years, Rico entered into the business world where he eventually owned his own successful automotive battery business and, consequently, met some of his life long friends.

Rico, after living the life of leisure in retirement for several years, helped his nephew, Todd Infante, start his own successful business and continued to work there until his passing.

Rico loved playing poker, collecting coins and stamps, and watching the Florida Gators.

Rick Sams is survived by his wife Barbara Jones Sams, his daughter Amanda Jean Sams Panessa, son-in-law John Panessa, beloved grandchildren Sonny and Isabella Panessa, sister Mrs. Kris Newlin, and brother Mr. Dennis Kriston, and many nieces and nephews.

All who knew him adored him.

In Lieu of flowers, please make donations to “Making America great again”.