Topic: Marion Sams Funeral
Time: Mar 11, 2023 11:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
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Marion Evone Sams, affectionately known as Sam, was born October 3, 1947, in Reddick, Florida to the late Thomas and Ola Lee (Evans) Sams.
He attended elementary school in Flemington, Florida. Growing up, Marion loved spending summers on his beloved grandmother Mary Etta Evans’ farm. He often reminisced of his days working on the farm -- helping tend to the hogs, picking beans, and dodging snakes.
Sam attended junior and senior high schools in Clearwater, Florida. He loved playing all sports at Pinellas High School. He was an illustrious football, baseball, and basketball player and was known as “Hockey Tam Sam” and the “The Lone Ranger” on the football field! After graduating from High School in June 1965, he soon headed to New York.
He had a brief stay with a beloved late aunt, Odetta Frazier, and her family in Utica, New York. But the bright lights of the “big apple” soon called his name. Marion departed for New York City and found his new home in the Bronx. Sam loved this city! In his younger days he frequented the discos and enjoyed Broadway, the food, the music, and all the city had to offer.
Marion played semi-pro football and trained and played for the New York Jets practice squad. He soon turned his passion and dedication to bodybuilding. He trained under the watchful eye of his mentor Mr. World and Mr. Olympia winner, Elliott Gilchrist. He won many bodybuilding contests.
In 1968, he joined the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local Number 3 in New York City. Sam was a master journeyman electrician. He served as a union steward on several worksites. He loved the electrical industry and the brotherhood. He worked on many great projects including the Twin Towers (World Trade Center), Time Square New Year’s Eve Ball, Broadway shows, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade for many years, and many more projects throughout the city. He stayed with the union to help finish the new Yankee Stadium, the baseball team he enjoyed, before hanging up his electrical belt for good. Sam had 55 years of service with the IBEW.
Once he grew tired of the concrete jungle, Marion and Debra moved out to greener pastures in Fishkill, NY where he resided for almost 20 years until he retired in 2009. Longing for a new adventure, in 2010 Marion and Debra moved to their dream home in Maryland. Marion attended Union United Methodist Church, Upper Marlboro, MD serving diligently as a senior usher until his death.
He and his wife had just returned from a Bahamian cruise and had more adventures planned for the next several years. Marion loved traveling the world, hanging out with his best friend, Debra Sams, checking in, catching up with family and friends, and doting on his only granddaughter, Carleigh.
He leaves to cherish his memories, a loving and devoted wife, Debra Nelson Sams, daughters Natasha Maner Kearney and Leigh Yates; amazing grandchildren -- Matthew, Jaden, Jordan, and Carleigh; sisters -- Lottie Mae Sams, Barbara Whitley, and Loretta Jones; nieces -- Toynetta Brinson, Lisa Sams, Shevette Green (Les), Twynetta Feazell, Consuelo Rivers (Adrian), Dionne Hinson (Lamar), Sabrina Sams, Pamela Sams, and Demetrius Sams; nephews – Terry Sams, Carlos Sams, Johnny (Regis) Brinson (Julia), Cardell Whitley (Charlene), and John Feazell; a host of grandnieces, grandnephews, godchildren, many beloved cousins, family, friends, and a special lifelong friend, Robert (Bean) Wiley. He was predeceased by one brother -- Leroy Sams.
Sam was unparalleled and will be truly missed by many!
As of 3/6/2023, 425 pm
