Thomas Milton ‘Tom’ Sams, 77, of Oakdale died peacefully Thursday, Jan. 19 surrounded by his family at Oak Valley Hospital.
He was born to Loy and Blanche Sams in Topeka, Kansas. The family moved to California in the early 1950s, settling in Yuba City.
Mr. Sams served eight years in the California National Guard while living in the San Jose area. He was employed by FMC Corporation in 1955 and was transferred to the Modesto-Oakdale area in 1967 as a sales engineer, calling on many canneries in California and Hawaii. He retired after 41 years of service with FMC.
His love of golf led him to the Oakdale Golf and Country Club in the early 1980s. He enjoyed many years of play with his ‘buddies’ including six hole-in-ones in his lifetime. He also loved fishing, boating, and sporting events, including the 49ers. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Jeri; son, Brad (Yvonne); sister, Shirley; three grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Patricia.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 28 at Oakdale Memorial Chapel, 830 West F St.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made in his name to the American Cancer Society; or, to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.