Wayne Sams, 81, of Cunningham, Kentucky, passed away on May 4, 2026, at the Ray & Kay Eckstein Center in Paducah, Kentucky. Wayne was born on September 17, 1944, to the late Hugh and Marie Sams.
Wayne worked with his hands all of his life as an operator and construction, taking pride in doing things the right way and providing for his family. He enjoyed the outdoors, especially fishing and hunting, and spent much of his time tending to his garden and doing yard work. He was a member of Beulah Baptist Church and carried his values with him in how he lived each day.
Wayne found his greatest joy in his family. His grandchildren meant everything to him, and he treasured every moment spent with them. Whether it was gathering with loved ones, visiting with friends, or playing card games around the table, those times were what he loved most.
Wayne is survived by his sons, Eric (Marla) Sams of Fancy Farm and Curtis (Sabrina) Sams of Fancy Farm; sister, Wanda Sue (Bill) Hunter of St. Charles, Missouri; a brother, Gary (Barbara) Sams of Mayfield, Kentucky; five grandchildren, Devin (Misha) Sams, Laken (Trey) Martin, Abigail Sams, Kinlee Sams, and Hudson Sams; and five great-grandchildren, Hallie Martin, Reese Martin, Braylor Sams, Brody Sams, and Colt Martin.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Glenna Sams; his great-grandson Braxton Sams; and his parents.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 8, 2026, at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Bardwell with his son, Curtis Sams, and grandson, Devin Sams, officiating. Burial will follow at Cunningham Memorial Gardens in Cunningham, Kentucky.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Bardwell.
Visitation will also be held from 10:00 a.m. until the service time of 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 8, 2026, at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Bardwell.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to the Ray & Kay Eckstein Hospice Center, 1530 Lone Oak Rd, Paducah, Kentucky, 42003.
Share a memory or leave a message for the family at www.milnerandorr.com.
