Raymond “Ray” Eugene Sams began his heavenly journey surrounded by family on May 2, 2017 at the age of 85 after a short illness. Some of his final words to his family were “Let’s get this show on the road”, Ray had quite the sense of humor.
He was born in Dickinson, North Dakota on September 5, 1931 to Luella (Kesting) and Morgan T. Sams.
When he was a senior the family moved to Belfield, North Dakota, where he played basketball and football. Ray graduated from Belfield in 1949 where he met the love of his life Pearl R. Evasuik, who taught him how to dance. They were married on September 19th, 1950.
Together they ventured to Miles City, Montana where Ray began his career with Safeway Stores, Inc. At the young age of 22, he was promoted to Store Manager in Forsyth.
He later managed stores in Laurel, Lewistown, and eventually settled in Helena in 1968 where they built a beautiful home and raised their family.
His career with Safeway spanned 46 years where he retired from the company at the Anaconda store in 1995.
Ray & Pearl enjoyed their retirement years as snow birds spending their winters in Parker, Arizona and summers in Montana at their Holter Lake property.
Ray was an avid fisherman, tinkering handyman, and there was always love in Daddy’s hands. He was a quick-witted joker, a devoted husband and loving, caring father. He will be greatly missed by his loving family and friends.
He is survived by his wife of 67 years Pearl, his four children: Debra Higgins, Cheri (Marv) Floyd, Dennis Sams, Tim (LaTasha) Sams, brothers Vernon, Tom (Sue) Sams, sister Betty Williams, brother in law Steve Evasuik and sister in law Marianne Miller.
Grandchildren: Geoff, Lyndie, Christina, Kristen, Jonathan, Michael, Ryan, Kalob and Kaylee.
Great grandchildren: Kristian, Ethan, Kennedy, Addison, Brynn, Arlyn, Colton, Haley.
He is preceded in death by: his parents, sister Ethel, infant grandson and infant granddaughter and best friend poodle, Misty.
A memorial service and gathering to celebrate Ray’s life will be scheduled and announced at a future date.
In lieu of flowers please consider a memorial in his name to the charity of your choice.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Jan and Larry Squires says
Pearl and family. Our thoughts are with while you go through this difficult time. Ray was such an awesome man and will be missed by many.
Love you, Jan and Larry Squires
John Poppe says
To the Sams Family, My Thoughts And Prayers Are With You At This Difficult Time, Ray Was My Boss At The Old Safeway On Montana Ave. A Great Man With A Great Work Ethic! Ray Will Be Missed By Many.Take Comfort In Knowing That Ray Is In A More Joyous And Beautiful Kingdom Now, And Some Day We Will All Be Together Again.
Bonnie Holewa says
To Cheri and her family,
Hugs to all of you as you go through this time! I will always remember your dad as teasing us girls as we swooned over boys in high school! I’ll keep you in my prayers and thoughts!
Love, Bonnie (Gray) Holewa