Jacob Alfred "Fred" Sams of Mars Hill, age 96, passed away Friday, June 12, 2015. He was the son of the late Thomas Fuller and Lela Mae Sprinkle Sams. He is preceded in death by his sister, Julia Willoree Sams and brothers, T.F. "Tom" Sams and Emmett Sprinkle Sams. Fred was a much loved father, grandfather and great grandfather and was highly respected by the community. He was a WWII Army Veteran and a retired teacher from Madison County Schools. His is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Elizabeth Howell Sams; sons, Jack Sams, Kevin Sams (Sheila) and Robert Sams (Patricia); sister, Wanda Winecoff, 7 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. A funeral service will be held at 4:00 PM, Sunday, June 14th at Mars Hill Baptist Church with Dr. Tommy Justus officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at 2:00 PM Monday at Fairview Cemetery at 345 Fairview Cemetery Road in Green Mountain. Online condolences can be sent to: www.blueridgefuneralservice.org.