Earl "Papa" Sams

August 23, 1945-April 10, 2014

Columbus, GA- Earl Sams, affectionately known as "Papa", was born in Griffin, Georgia on August 23rd 1945. Papa went home to go hunting with the Lord on Thursday, April 10th, 2014. He was 68 years young.

Earl served in the United States Air Force and fought for our freedom in Vietnam. As a Veteran, he always made sure to remind everyone that men and women fought for our freedom and to always buy things "Made in the USA". He loved spending time with his friends and family. He never met a stranger and always shared his opinions. You could hear him at little league baseball and softball games shouting "ducks on the pond" with his rally cap on! One of his many quotes was "can't never could and won't never will". He did not believe in throwing things away, if it was broke he could fix it! He was an avid member of the Double 4 Hunting Club and enjoyed hunting, fishing and watching NASCAR races with his buddies. He was a licensed Electrician and owner of Sams Electric.

Earl is preceded in death by his father Walter Sams, mother Audrey Duke, and Grandmother Clara Nichols. He leaves behind fond memories to his loving wife of 47 years, Gail Lawhorn Sams; two daughters Lisa Moore (Harvey) and Jodi Smith (George); two granddaughters Alyssa Sams (Walker) and Aubree Moore; Sisters Nancy Ayers (William), Debbie Franklin(Ernie), Jean Storey, Dorothy Tate, and Barbara Duke; Brothers Junior Duke and Kenny Duke; In-laws Donna Cross (Edward), Stacey Burns (Bruce), John "Bubba" Lawhorn, Jr. (Diane), and Walter Lawhorn (Debbie); Members of the Double 4 Hunting Club and many special aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Please join the family for visitation in the St. Elmo Room of Striffler Hamby 4071 Macon Road Columbus GA 31907, Friday April 11, 2014 from 6:00 - 8:00 PM. A Celebration of Life Service will be Saturday April 12 11:00 AM. in Edgewood Hall of Striffler-Hamby followed by a Committal Service at Park Hill Cemetery in Columbus, GA. Dr. Aaron Baldridge and Rev William Hall will be officiating.

In addition to flowers, the family kindly requests donations to Calvary Freewill Baptist Church, Missions Outreach, 6165 Billings Road, Columbus, GA 31909 or to . On line condolences may be offered at www.shcolumbus.com.