Donald Deane Sams III

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

He was born May 31, 1947, in Charleston, S.C., to the late Elizabeth W. Sams and Donald Deane Sams Jr.

He is preceded in death by brother-in-law, Steve Kidd; and nephew, Kevin Kidd.

His education included attending the Wakefield High School in Arlington, Va., from 1963-1964.

From 1964-1965, he attended the High School of Charleston in Charleston, S.C. 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, he served our country in the United States Army from 1965-1968 as a surgical technician and Independent Duty Corpsman. He served in the 1st Calvary Division Air Mobile and 1/5 Black Knights.

In 1966, he was wounded in Vietnam and completed his tour of duty in 1968. He 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, 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 1st Calvary Division (Air Mobile).

After returning from war, he put his training as a combat infantry medic into practice as a physician’s assistant, serving soldiers and civilians alike.

A native of Charleston, he came from a family of medical professionals and soldiers. He practiced in South Carolina and across north Georgia for more than 35 years.

He moved to Ellijay in 1975 and began caring for the community by joining the practice of Dr. E.J. Fernandez. During the later part of his career, he practiced in Dr. Bob G. Lanier’s office in Cumming, from which he retired.

He 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. He 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.”

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

He is survived by loving wife of 44 years, Diane Harper Sams; daughters and sons-in-law, 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; and great-grandchild, Caiden Corn; mother-in-law, Dorothy Harper; sisters, Lisa Kidd and Anne “Nancy” Singleton; brother and sister-in-law, Douglas “Doug” M. and Nancy Sams; sisters-in-law, Pat McClure, Brenda Harper, Carole Spearman and Lisa Harper; and several nieces and nephews.

To honor his wishes, he will be cremated, and a private service will be held at a later date from the Bernhardt Funeral Home chapel with the Rev. Steve Jones and Chaplain Vincent Moreno officiating.

Interment will follow at the Georgia National Cemetery with full 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 exposure to Agent Orange. To donate, visit their website at www.vvfm.org or call them at 202-393-0093.

  Bernhardt Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.