The Shadow
Michael “Mike” Sams
Mr. Michael Grey Sams, age 76, of Mt. Jackson, VA, passed away on Sunday, May 25, 2025, at his home. He was the husband of Sarah Bayne Sams to whom he was married to for fifty-three years.
Mr. Sams was born April 17, 1949, in Covington, the son of the late Lacy Dale Sams, Sr. and Doris Kessinger Sams. Mike graduated from Covington High School in 1967 and continued to further his education by graduating from the former Dabney S. Lancaster Community College in 1969, Emory and Henry College in 1971 and later the University of Virginia. Mike began teaching school and coaching sports in Buena Vista, VA and later became the assistant principal, principal, assistant superintendent and superintendent of schools in Bath County, VA, retiring from his career in education in 2000. Mike moved to the Mt. Jackson area where he has resided for the last twenty-five years. He was of the Methodist faith.
Mr. Sams loved sports and was an avid fan of the University of Virginia Cavaliers. Mike was a former member of the Masonic Lodge #265 in Bath County which later merged with Millboro Lodge.
Over the years, he loved all animals, especially his dogs and cats.
In addition to his wife, Sarah, Mr. Sams is survived by his brother, Steve Sams and wife, Robin of Covington.
In addition to his parents, Lacy and Doris Sams, Mr. Sams was preceded in death by a son, Christopher Michael Sams; a sister, Debra Sams Simmons; and a brother, Lacy Dale Sams, Jr.
A private family memorial service will be conducted at a later date.
The family suggests that memorial tributes take the form of contributions to Humane Society of Shenandoah County, VA, ATTN: Melissa Miller Piselli, P.O. Box 173, Woodstock, VA 22664 or Blue Ridge Hospice Society, 333 Cork Street, Winchester VA 22601.
Arrangements are being handled by Loving Funeral Home; to view Mr. Sam’s memorial tribute page, please visit www.lovingfuneralhome1913.com.
