John Taylor Sams

John was born on November 13, 1942 in Erwin, Tennessee to the late Don and Dorothy Sams and is preceded in death by his siblings Don Sams Jr. and Patricia Sams Kinloch.

He is survived by his caring wife, Phyllis Sams; daughter Kristen Starling and husband Robert Starling of New York City; son Matt Sams and wife Liz Sams of Pittsboro; and four grandchildren: Morgan, Lyndsay, Riley, and Patrick.

In addition to his over 50 years of work as an engineer, John will be remembered for being a devoted husband, caring father, loving grandfather, friend to all animals, and an incredible artist.

John was adored by everyone he met and showed the same kindness and friendliness to strangers that he did to his own family. From taking his corvette out for a drive, to overfeeding his dogs from the table, to tending to his garden, John leaves us all with an endless supply of memories, stories, and laughs.

All are welcome to celebrate John’s life on Thursday April 2, 2026 as a funeral service will be held at 10:00 am at Apex United Methodist Church, 100 S. Hughes Street, Apex, NC 27502.

In lieu of flowers we ask that donations be made to Apex United Methodist Church (apexumc.org) and The Aphasia Project (www.aphasiaproject.org)..