Bert Edgar Sams

Bert Edgar Sams of Knoxville, Tennessee, passed away on October 23, 2025 surrounded by his family. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Rusha; sons, Scott Elliott Sams and Jeffrey Edgar Sams; daughters-in-law, Jennifer Gramling and Andrea Miller Sams; beloved granddaughter, Whitley Grace Sams.

Born in Atlanta, Georgia, on July 13, 1945, to Bert Davis Sams and Tressie Mae Cashion Sams, Bert grew up in Mississippi, Louisiana, and Tennessee, graduating with the Humboldt High School Class of 1963 in Humboldt, Tennessee.

That fall, Bert enrolled at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where he majored in College Student Personnel and joined the Alpha Tau Omega (ATO) fraternity. His years with ATO were deeply meaningful and helped shape his lifelong commitment to serving others.

Upon graduation, Bert accepted the position of Director of Fraternities—one of several roles he would hold during his 30-year career at the university—retiring in 1999 as Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs. His devotion to the University of Tennessee was well known; his friend and former U.S. Representative Bob Clement once said that Bert “has been true orange since birth.”

Beyond his professional career, Bert was devoted to mentoring young people. He coached the Pilot Oil Little League Team for many years and served as an advisor to ATO’s Pi Chapter on the UT Knoxville campus.

After retirement, Bert continued his legacy of service as Director of the Thrift Store for Knoxville Habitat for Humanity. His work with Habitat combined two of his passions—helping others and traveling—leading him and Rusha to participate in home builds in Northern Ireland, Lesotho, Nepal, Romania, and Vietnam as part of the Jimmy Carter Habitat Build. After leaving his position with Habitat, Bert and Rusha continued to explore the world together, counting Marrakech, Barcelona, and Prague among their favorite destinations.

Bert also gave generously of his time and talents through his involvement with First United Methodist Church, Wesley House, UT Gardens, the Plantsmen, and Leadership Knoxville's Class of 2012 (the “Best Class Ever!”). He treasured the many conversations and friendships he found within the Joy Class at First United Methodist Church.

As an active member of the ATO Alumni Group, Bert helped organize annual dinners and the Brad Whittington Golf Tournament. In recognition of his lifelong dedication and service, he was inducted into the Alumni Hall of Fame by UT Knoxville’s Office of Sorority and Fraternity Life in 2022.

While Bert loved his work, his travels, and his many friendships, nothing brought him greater joy than time spent with his family—especially his granddaughter, Whitley. He was endlessly proud of her talent and dedication as part of the award-winning Bearden High School Dance Team and rarely missed one of her performances.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. in the sanctuary at First Church Knox, 3316 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN. Receiving of friends will follow in the historic Parish House behind the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: First Church Knox, 3316 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919 or Habitat for Humanity, 1501 Washington Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37917

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the talented professionals at Park West Hospital and Tennessee Cancer Specialists for their loving care of Bert.