Rick Sams passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on Oct 21,2021. He was born November 11, 1948 in Dunbar, Virginia to Irene and Damon Sams.
He grew up in Cleveland, Ohio and attended West Tech High School. After gaining his GED, he overcame many obstacles and attended Community College but was mostly a self-taught engineer. He went to work for Ingersoll-Rand in Ohio and Texas, where he designed drilling rigs most notably, the Ingersoll Rand DM-H Drillmaster, which is still in use today, and earned a membership into the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. He then became Chief Engineer of Mobile Drill in Indianapolis.
He enjoyed family time, vacations, fishing/boating, rum and coke, corvairs, country music and Leon Redbone. He endured disco lessons in the 70’s, Texas 2-step dancing in the 80’s, and line dancing in the 90’s, all to please his girls!
He is the proud father of three girls, Traci (Kevin) Lavender, Chris (Jon) Splater, and Jennifer (Steve) Chambers; 7 grandchildren (Kelsey, Jessica, Logan (MacKenzie), Luke, Lainie(Wes), Zack, Ryan, and 2 great grandsons (Rader & Rhett). He was preceded in death by his parents, wife (Lura Sams), and brother (Larry Sams).
Arrangements are being provided by Indiana Funeral Services and a private family memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Hamilton County Humane Society.
A public memorial and Celebration of Rick Sams life will be held on his birthday November 20, 2021 from 6:00-8:00pm at the Greenwood, Indiana American Legion Post 252 located at 334 S US highway 31. Please come join his family and friends to celebrate and reminisce. We look forward to hearing everyone's stories and memories of their time with Rick!