Joe "Papa Joe" Sams

Joe "Papa Joe" Sams, age 58, of Norman, passed away on Monday, November 20, 2023.

He was born on August 8, 1965, in Texarkana, Texas, the son of Carl Wayne Sams and Cecilene Wells Sams.  He was preceded in death by his father.

Papa Joe, as he was fondly known by everyone, was a Christian in his faith and was employed with the City of Glenwood, where he was a tremendous asset to the city, and loved and well respected by everyone he worked with.  He was a 32nd Degree Mason and a member of the Black Springs Lodge #543.  Papa Joe had a great passion for riding his motorcycle, playing guitar, and he loved spending time on his farm, where you could find him every Saturday, hard at work.  Above all, Papa Joe loved his family and friends, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his mother, Cecilene Sams of Ashdown; three sons and one daughter-in-law, Christopher and Robin Sams of Delaware, Heath Sams of Norman and Dustin Sams of Malvern; two daughters and one son-in-law, Clarissa Jo Sams of Amity and Samantha and Daniel Hill of Malvern; six grandchildren, Alexander Sams, Collier Sams, Gabriel Hurtable, Adalynn Rinkle, Layla Rinkle and Hudson Hill; his chosen son, Thomas Qualls; two chosen daughters, Erica Williams and Myranda Hartwick; numerous extended family members; and a host of wonderful friends.

Graveside services will be held at 10:00 AM, Monday, November 27, 2023, in the Wilton Cemetery.

Visitation will be held Sunday, 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM, in the Smith Family Funeral Home Chapel, Glenwood, 209 North Third Street, Glenwood, AR 71943.

Pallbearers will be Josh Franklin, Brent Staggs, Jimmy Crumpler, Dustin Sams, Jason Whitehead and Bryant Davis.

Guest registry may be found at www.smithfamilycares.com.