May 10, 1928 - September 12, 2022

Marvin H. Sams, 94, passed away on September 12, 2022. Marvin was born May 10, 1928 in Martinville, Arkansas, the fourth of eight children of William Eli and Mary Iola Freeman Sams.

He is preceded in death by his parents; loving wife, Ruby; brothers, Doyle Sams, Eldon Sams, Junior Sams and John Arlon Sams and sisters, Carolyn Beene Gray, Rosalie Ryan and Gladys Fuchs.

Marvin is survived by his son, Keith (Mary) Sams of Dripping Springs, Texas; grandchildren, Timothy (Kate) Sams of Plattsburg, New York and Jennifer Sams of Austin, Texas; one great-granddaughter, Maggie Sams of Plattsburg, New York; brother, Wayne Sams of Conway, Arkansas; two sisters, Anavurl Karber and Luevern Glover of Greenbrier, Arkansas and many nieces and nephews who were special to him and always knew him to be ready to have a fun adventure.

Marvin was born and raised on the family farm in Martinville, Arkansas. As a young man, he served in the United States Army occupation forces in Japan, then returned home and married Ruby Elam in 1951. Marvin was a respected educator and coach. He and Ruby began their teaching careers in Arkansas and continued teaching when they moved to Willcox, Arizona in 1966. They returned to Martinville to enjoy retirement.

Marvin and Ruby were lifelong members of the Church of Christ. Marvin was an avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt, fish, camp and garden. Sports were his passion, from the time he could walk he was playing, coaching or watching. And, he played to win! He grew up a hard worker. His siblings remember him as the one who would invent games to make work enjoyable. He always motivated others to strive for their best and have fun while doing so.

A visitation will be Saturday, September 24 at 10:00am and the funeral service at 11:00am at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home in Greenbrier, Arkansas. Interment with military honors will follow at Martinville Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Kevin Sams, Randy Sams, Mark Hartwick, Timothy Sams, Lawson Hornor, Brian Williams, Terry Lucas and Gary Lucas. Steve Beene and David Elam will serve as honorary pallbearers.

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