William Michael Sams Jr. (Miller), 46, of Bloomsdale died Aug. 31, 2024. Mr. Sams worked in construction throughout his adult life and was recognized for his hard work. He also was passionate about his work as a lieutenant firefighter with the Kinsey Volunteer Fire Dept. He was a member of First Baptist Church Herculaneum-Pevely. In his spare time, he liked to work on his cars. He was known for his crazy sense of humor, which made people say, “what was he thinking,” but never failed to make them laugh. He loved spending time with his family. Born Jan. 31, 1978, in Washington, D.C., he was the son of Cindy and Norbert Miller of Festus and William Michael Sams Sr. of Escondido, Calif.
He is survived by his fiancee: Tera Chimento; three children: Ethan, Gavin and Azalea; two stepchildren: Madison and Shailyn; two sisters: Christina (Zachary Cavanaugh) Nordman and Stephanie Sams; two brothers: Jason (Crystal) Miller and Timothy Sams; two nieces: Elizabeth and Alexis; and nine nephews: Joseph, Cody, Justin, Jasper, Liam, Grayson, Drew, Dustin and Dean.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents: Ellen Mihalcik, Helga Hottinger, Josephine Garrow, Paul Leo Garrow, Joseph John Mihalcik Jr. and Harold (David) Hottinger; two aunts: Jo-Ellen Clark and Ruth Banks; an uncle: Randy Garrow; and a niece: Eliza Nordman.
A celebration of life is scheduled for 2 p.m. until a remembrance service at 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, at First Baptist Church Herculaneum-Pevely, 1315 Abbey Lane, in Pevely. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association.