Albert "Buddy" Dobbs Sams Jr.

He was born in Athens, Georgia on July 22, 1935 to Anita Burke Sams and Albert Dobbs Sams. He was preceded in death by his sister, Anita Sams Holton and his brother, Edward Burke Sams.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Beverly Hammond Sams. He has three children, Lori Sams Smith (Ron), Albert Dobbs Sams, III (Leslie), and Alexander Hammond Sams (Eleanor) and eight grandchildren, Lyndon Smith Kissinger, Evan Smith, AJ Sams, Parker Sams, Abby Sams, Nicole Sams, Ella Sams, Lilli Sams and one great-grandchild, Coleston Kissinger.

Family would like to express sincere gratitude to Shirley Davenport who was his exceptional caregiver.

Albert Sams graduated from Baylor School Military Academy in Chattanooga, Tennessee and the University of Georgia with a BBA from the Terry College of Business. He was a member of SAE fraternity as well as a member of Scabbard and Blade Military Society while in college. Upon graduation, he received his commission to United States Air Force as a Second Lieutenant and served at Hickam AFB, Honolulu, HI. After leaving the Air Force as Captain, he began his professional career as a principle owner and Corporate Secretary of Athens Coca-Cola Bottling Company and Vend, Inc. He served on the Board of Directors with Georgia Soft Drink Association, Georgia Council of Coca-Cola Bottlers, Athens City Club, Salvation Army, Georgia Coliseum Club, President’s Club, the Bulldog Club, Athens Touchdown Club, and the Athens YMCA. He was also an active member of many other community organizations including First Baptist Church, Clarke County Planning Commission, and many other organizations. After retiring from Athens Coca-Cola Bottling Company, he served as the CEO of The Sams Group for many years.

Among his favorite interests was being in the outdoors and among nature. He was a founding member of the Athens Fresh Sign Hunting Club as well as a member of the Groton THA Hunting Club for many years. He loved the Lord and as part of his close relationship with Christ, he joyfully gave to and was a partner with many Christian organizations.

Family will receive friends at the Sams home on Sunday, June 3 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Private graveside service will be held at Oconee Hill Cemetery on Monday, June 4.

Donations may be made to St. Mary’s Hospice House or the Jesus Film Project (www.JesusFilm.org) in memory of Albert Dobbs Sams, Jr.

Bernstein Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

www.BernsteinFuneralHome.com