Bobby Joe Sams

Bob was Born May 7, 1937 and went to meet his Lord God on March 6, 2014 at the age of 76. Born to parents John and Mrytle Sams and raised in Jenks, America,he grew to become a 6’2’’225lb in high school and with his help took the Jenks Trojans football team to a undefeated season to a 10-0 record and made “ALL STATE” as their Tackle in 1954. After graduating, in 1955, Bob attended Tulsa University on a football scholarship for one year then he transferred to Central State University in Edmond, OK. He was selected for the collegiate All-Star team in 1959 as an All American in 1960 and was named as the college lineman of the year in 1961. His achievements in college football had caught the eye of the National Football League and he was drafted in the 15th round of the 1961 NFL draft by the San Francisco 49ers. His football career was cut short by a serious knee injury which brought him back to his hometown of Jenks. He married Mary Lee Highfill and started a family of three children. Two sons, Robert Euel Lee Sams and Steven Loy Sams and one daughter, Kimberly Sue Sams (Sullender),all who grew up and graduated from Jenks High School and live in the nearby area. In January of 1962, he began his career with the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office as a Deputy Sheriff and received his law enforcement training at the Tulsa Police Training Academy, graduating in May of 1962. He worked his way through the ranks of supervising numerous areas of Detention, Patrol, and Detectives. It has been said that Bob was a deputy you could always count on, no matter the circumstances. In a fight, most people would “back you up” but with Bob, he was usually in the lead, clearing a path for the rest of them and when it came to protecting a brother, Bob was fearless. On stake outs that resulted in capturing notorious criminals like Tom Lester Pugh or tackling a man with a shot gun in his hands from a domestic disturbance call, Bob was a force to be reckoned with. Every team he ever played on, Jenks High School, Tulsa University and Central State University, they always selected him as their team captain. After 32 years of service, Bob retired as a Luietenant over the jail facilities but came out of retirement to act as Bailiff for the courts of Tulsa County under Judge Peterson close to four years before retiring full time to his lake side home on Monkey Island on Grand Lake. He spent his time fishing, boating, and hosting fish fries for friends who enjoyed hearing all those “Big Fish Stories” and playing cards. All were welcome who wanted to come! For health reasons he moved back to the Tulsa area and spent time living with his oldest son and then moved to an assisted living facility.Preceded in death, is his son, Steve, Mary, his parents, his two brothers, and other close friends.Bob’s principles for justice and funny sense of humor were parts of him that we will miss the most but be assured, He Will Be Missed. Services will be held 10 A.M. Tuesday, March 11, 2014 at Fitzgerald Southwood Colonial Chapel. Interment will immediately follow at Bixby Cemetery. The family will be receiving friends for a reception following the interment at Fitzgerald's Family Center. A Visitation will be held on Monday, March 10,2014 from 6:00 - 8:00 P.M. at Fitzgerald Southwood Colonial Chapel.

Bobby Joe Sams

May 7, 1937 - March 6, 2014