Mr. Donald Deane Sams, III age 75 of Ellijay, passed away peacefully at the VA Hospital in Atlanta on Saturday, November 19 ^th , 2022, while surrounded by his loving family.

Mr. Sams was born on May 31 ^st , 1947, in Charleston, SC to the late Elizabeth W. Sams and Donald Deane Sams, Jr. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Steve Kidd; and nephew, Kevin Kidd.

Mr. Sams' education included attending the Wakefield High School in Arlington, Virginia from 1963-1964. From 1964-1965, he attended the High School of Charleston in Charleston, South Carolina. Following his military service, he attended The Citadel in Charleston from 1968-1971, majoring in Biology. He continued his medical education within the Physician's Assistant Program at the Medical University of South Carolina, graduating in 1973.

A Vietnam veteran, Don Sams served our country in the United States Army from 1965-1968 as a surgical Technician and Independent Duty Corpsman. He served in the 1 ^st Calvary Division Air Mobile and 1/5 Black Knights. In 1966, Mr. Sams was wounded in Vietnam and completed his tour tour of duty in 1968. Mr. Sams joined the United States Air Force Reserve (1970-1975), where he was an Independent Duty Corpsman and an Aero-Medical Evaluation training NCO. He achieved a rank of E-6 and resigned April 6 ^th , 1975. He was a recipient of the Combat Medical Badge, the Combat Infantry Badge, the Vietnam Service Medal, the National Defense Medal, and the Presidential Unit Award for the 1 ^st Calvary Division (Air Mobile).

After returning from war, he put his training as a combat infantry medic into practice as a physicians assistant, serving soldiers and civilians alike. A native of Charleston, Mr. Sams came from a family of medical professionals and soldiers. He practiced in South Carolina and across North Georgia for more than 35 years, Mr. Sams moved to Ellijay, GA in 1975 and began caring for the community by joining the practice of Dr. E.J. Fernandez. During the later part of his career, Mr. Sams practiced in Dr. Bob G. Lanier's office in Cumming, GA, from which he retired.

Mr. Sams was the commander of the American Legion Post 82 in Ellijay, where he was a lifelong member. He was also a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6970 in Dawsonville. Mr. Sams was a passionate Veteran advocate, providing counsel and support to ensure Veterans navigate the VA system and gain access to their benefits. He was a true "hometown hero".

Mr. Sams enjoyed spending time with his family, sailing, golfing, playing tennis, photography, and chess.

Survivors include his loving wife of 44 years, Diane Harper Sams of Ellijay; daughters and son-in-laws, Nicole and Mike O'Brien, Margaret and Robbie Corn, Heather Sams, and Holly Chastain. Known as "Poppy" to many grandkids, he is survived by grandchildren, Jacey Aaron, Zachary "Zach" Aaron, Jaylin Stanley, Bryce Barclay, Kash Chastain, Erin O'Brien, Keira O'Brien, Tyler (Anna) Corn, and Emmie Corn; one great grandchild, Caiden Corn. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Dorothy Harper; two sisters, Lisa Kidd and Anne "Nancy" Singleton; brother and sister-in-law, Douglas "Doug" M. and Nancy Sams; sister-in-laws, Pat McClure, Brenda Harper, Carole Spearman, and Lisa Harper; and several nieces and nephews also survive.

To honor his wishes, Mr. Sams will be cremated, and a private service will be held at a later date from the Bernhardt Funeral Home chapel with Rev. Steve Jones and Chaplain Vincent Moreno officiating. Interment will follow at the Georgia National Cemetery with fully military rites and recognition by the North Georgia Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked kindly to make donations to one of Mr. Sams' preferred charities:

America's VetDogs- VetDogs is a 501(c)3 charity that trains and places service dogs for veterans with physical disabilities; guide dogs for individuals who are blind or have low vision; service dogs to help mitigate the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); and facilitate dogs as part of the rehabilitation process in military and VA hospitals. Contact them at www.vetdogs.com or call them at 866-838-3647.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund- VVMF is a 501 (c)3 charity authorized to build and maintain the national memorial dedicated to all who served in the U.S. armed forces in the Vietnam War. Their mission is to honor and preserve the legacy of service and educate all generations about the impact of the Vietnam War. VVMF's In Memory program honors those whose lives were cut short as a result of their service, such as by expose to Agent Orange. To donate, visit their website at www.vvfm.org or call them at 202-393-0093.

Bernhardt Funeral Home of Ellijay is in charge of the arrangements.