William E. (Bill) Sams

Washington Native was WWII Veteran. William E. “Billâ€쳌 Sams, 86, of St. Petersburg, Florida, formerly of Washington, died Thursday, March 29, 2007, in Hospice House Woodside, Pinellas Park, Florida. He was born December 18, 1920, in Washington, a son of Roy William and Carrie Edith Glover Sams. He attended Washington Schools and was a painter with Pence Painting and Decorating. Mr. Sams was an Army Air Corps veteran, serving with the Eight and Ninth Air Force, 316th Air Base Support Squadron, during World War II. He landed at Normandy during the invasion of Europe and later fought in the Battle of the Bulge. In 1992, he moved to St. Petersburg, where he was a member of Faith Assembly. Mr. Sams was an avid gardener of vegetables and flowers. He loved painting nature scenes and woodworking, especially carving ducks and making clocks. Surviving are his wife of 60 years, Monaruth Sams of St. Petersburg; a son, William P. (Karen) Sams of Davison, Michigan; a daughter, Linda Bedtelyon of Flint, Michigan; a grandson, Michael Paul Sams of Auburn Hills, Michigan; and a granddaughter, Kimberly Michelle Sams of Davison. Deceased is a brother, Paul Sams. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, June 28, 2007, in William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington, with Rev. George Garancosky officiating. Inurnment will follow in Bethlehem Baptist Church Cemetery, Ruff Creek.