Sra Terry Earl "Tj" Sams, Jr., Usaf

SrA Terry Earl “TJ” Sams, Jr. was born at Cannon AFB, Clovis, New Mexico, on October 31, 1995, to Chantelle Maria and Terry Earl Sams, Sr. He passed away on Sunday morning of March 26, 2023, in Navarre, Florida, at the young age of 27. TJ was a devoted father, brother and son who leaves behind his mother, Chantelle Maria Sams, father, Terry Earl Sams Sr, brother, Jeremy Micheal Sams and son, Talent Sams.

TJ was a true athlete who excelled in basketball and baseball, but eventually chose basketball as his primary sport in middle and high school. As a member of the Peach County Trojans and later the FPD Vikings, TJ excited many crowds with his outstanding plays and excellent 3-point shooting while breaking over six high school records during his time at FPD.

TJ attended Jacksonville State, Auburn Montgomery and later Troy University, where he graduated with a degree in General Education. He joined the United States Air Force on October 1st, 2019, the start of a promising career; he soon earned an Associates of Science Degree in Construction Technology from the Community College of the Air Force. TJ was also promoted six months early to the rank of Senior Airman by winning the Below the Zone Award.

TJ worked as a Geo base and project specialist in Civil Engineering at Hurlburt Field Air Base, in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. He always showed dedication to his work and wanted to be the most knowledgeable at whatever he was doing. TJ was always a joy to be around and lit up every room with his big smile. He will truly be missed.

Visitation with TJ’s family and friends will be on Saturday, April 8, 2023 from 12:00 noon until 2:00 p.m. at McCullough Funeral Home. The funeral service will immediately follow at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of McCullough Funeral Home with Ch. Lt. Col. Christopher Reeder, USAF officiating. TJ will be laid to rest at Magnolia Park Cemetery following the service.

Go to www.mcculloughfh.com to sign the Online Registry for the family. McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with these arrangements.