BELMONT - Sammy Reginald Johns, 66, died Friday, Jan. 4, 2013, at Gaston Memorial Hospital in Gastonia.
He was born Feb. 7, 1946, in Charlotte, the son of the late Garland Samuel and Marie Cardin Johns.
Sammy was a singer/songwriter and will be remembered by many for his musical talent. Some of his songs include his 1975 hit "Chevy Van," "America," popularized by Waylon Jennings, "Common Man," covered by John Conlee, and "Desperado Love," sung by Conway Twitty. He performed on the Grand Ole Opry Live and Nashville Now.
Sammy had a big heart and will be missed by his family and all who knew him.
Survivors of Mr. Johns include his sister, Demurris Johns Finchum of Stanley; nephew, Ray Finchum and wife Derita of Dallas, Texas; niece, Faye Hacker and husband George of Stanley; and other great-nieces and great-nephews.
The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at McLean Funeral Directors of Belmont. A service to celebrate his life will be 2 p.m. Wednesday in the Bumgardner Chapel of McLean Funeral Directors of Belmont with Mr. Ray Finchum officiating. Interment will follow the service in Greenwood Cemetery.
Condolence messages may be sent and viewed online at www.McLeanFuneral.com.
McLean Funeral Directors of Belmont is serving the family of Mr. Johns.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Gaston Gazette from Jan. 7 to Jan. 8, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Sammy Johns

Sponsored by anonymous.

70 Entries

Deborah

January 2, 2025

Another year has come and gone. Thinking of you after twelve years. Peace Always.

LZalewski

February 12, 2024

Very late here, but Sammy Johns "Chevy Van" was just so perfective, melodically, harmonically, etc. Beautiful snapshot of the most beautiful decade ever. Here's hoping John is in heaven.

Mark

November 6, 2023

Thank you for the memories Sammy. Remember this song when I was stationed at Camp Pendleton in 75. RIP Brother

Art

October 4, 2023

"Get some sleep and dream of rock and roll." Thank you for being a part of my teenage years. Godspeed, Sammy.

Kurt

February 24, 2023

Thank you Sammy for sharing your talent with us! I will always think of summer when I hear "Chevy Van" sung by you! What a memory! Gone but will never be forgotten!

Rick Queen

February 7, 2023

R I P Sammy

Rick Queen

February 7, 2023

R I P Sammy. -- Great musician and writer.

Deborah

January 1, 2023

Ten years ago I signed this guest book. I can't believe those years have passed so quickly. It only proves how fleeting time really is. Continued peace to you Sammy. You are still remembered and missed by many.

Kevin Pleasant

July 28, 2021

Your music will live on forever! I'm a DJ at a local station in Rutherford County and Chevy Van is high on my rotation.

Karen Hensley

May 12, 2018

I love and miss you Sammy Johns, I never knew you personally but in my heart ♥ I knew you. You were given a wonderful talent and left a special place in my heart...Rest In Peace n keep singing...

April 24, 2018

I learned of Sammy's passing in 2017...I'm so heartbroken over his passing. You will always be in my heart ❤, I fell in love with Chevy Van and You when I first heard it, I still listen to it almost daily, brings back my teenage years, life was good and Chevy Van got me through a lot. My condolences to your family, R.I.P. Sammy ♥♥♥ Karen H., Cincinnati, Ohio

Michael

April 8, 2017

God bless family and friends ... such a wonderfully artistic part of growing up i early 70's. The feeling the song evokes today - is priceless. Better days, better times ... dare i say a better world. Thank you for sharing your talent Sammy ... and for the smiles listening to the results. Rest in Peace and may that Chevy van roll for all eternity

September 8, 2016

WE just all found your song on the internet. Love the Chevy Van song. Great!!!!

Tim Stevens

January 9, 2016

thanks for making my youth a much more happy place with your songs RIP

Annie Pelfrey-Hill

October 12, 2015

'You're song( Chevy Van) was inspirational, bringing back to me songs from my Era the 70's, reminding me of my spirit, my youth and my first Love. You're spirit soars for ever in my heart.

John Stowe

July 28, 2015

Was listening to Chevy Van a song that summed up the seventies. went to your resting place today and put it in the CD and sang along. You and your talent are very much missed

Kristi C.

July 21, 2015

Thinking of you, missing you <3

Laura Seebaugh

July 15, 2015

I will always believe that Sammy is still singing with his beautiful voice among the angels in heaven.

Harry Simpson

January 4, 2015

Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.

Jerry Weis

March 7, 2014

Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.

Steve James

December 23, 2013

Just shows how disconnected we get throughout life. I was the drummer in the DeVilles and played along side of Sammy at the Bamboo Lounge, Pecan Grove Supper Club, and other venues. Sammy was a very talented musician and as life presents we lost touch going separate ways but I always look favorably on the days we spent together playing music. My prayers and condolences to the family even though this is very late in coming. God Bless.

Tl Bush

November 17, 2013

How sad. I just heard "Chevy van " on the radio today and remembered that time. Didn't realize it was near four decades ago nor was I aware of Sammy Johns passing.
He was a contemporary and it is painful to know he is no longer with us. Be happy and celebrate your life where ever you are Sammy. We will miss you fof the smile you put in our life with your music and whenever we see a Chevy van.

.

Tl Bush

November 17, 2013

How sad. I just heard "Chevy van " on the radio today and remembered that time. Didn't realize it was near four decades ago nor was I aware of Tommy Johns passing.
He was a contemporary and it is painful to know he is no longer with us. Be happy and celebrate your life where ever you are Tommy. We will miss you fof the smile you put in our life with your music and whenever we see a Chevy van.

.

Micah Evans

February 6, 2013

I was so sorry to hear about this. Sorry for the family. They lost a member of the family, we lost a great entertainer/songwriter. Chevy Van has been called THE SONG of the 70s, and for good reason. We all have so many fond memories of where we were back then when we heard it. Thank you Sammy for years of great music, and thank you for helping define an era. You will be greatly missed. Rest in Peace.

Bo Graves

February 5, 2013

Sad to hear of Sammy Johns passing. Cruise on, Sammy!

Robert Steele

January 31, 2013

I remember him from when I was in the 5th grade when I first heard "Chevy Van". I remember cruising with my older brother in his 1970 Chevrolet "trick" van and we pulled up next to a vintage '57 Chevrolet Nomad that was occupied by what was two sisters one my brothers age and Beth who was a year older than me. They hopped in my brothers van and we went cruising. I got my first kiss, I fell in love and never saw her again. Thank you Sammy; I'll never forget you.

Judy

January 13, 2013

Now he is singing in Heaven with all the angels. He has only left this earth to join another part of his family. Gone but not forgotten because of the memories you shared with him and the music he shared with us. Sorry for your loss.

Peggy Dores

January 12, 2013

It was truly a sad day today when I read of Sammy Johns passing. I loved his music, especially the song "Chevy Van." It's hard to describe how someone with their music can impact your life, how hearing a favorite song can bring back a flood of memories of better times, being with good friends and enjoying life but Sammy's music did that for me. My sympathies to all his family and friends and please know, he will be missed.

Janis Conard

January 11, 2013

Demuris, I am so sorry for your loss. I know exactly how you feel, when I lost my precious brother, Danny Conard, your counsin I was heart broken. Now they are both in Heaven together with all of our precious relatives gone before them. They are the Blessed ones. Love you,
love,
Your Cousin,
Janis Conard

Sue

January 10, 2013

One of the best songs ever Chevy Van, I still listen to it today. Rest in Peace my friend.

Kim Haigwood

January 10, 2013

I'm so sorry to hear of Sammy's passing. I grew up listening to his music,I loved Chevy Van ! What a beautiful voice and sweet smile he had. He will be missed God Bless you all. My prayers are with you and your family.

Bill Shaffer

January 9, 2013

I ETS'd out of the Army a year or so before Chevy Van came out in 75. A lot of Army buddies took to riding bikes but I took to a 72 chevy van and made a trek from LA to Daytona. That song was "The 70's". My Condolences to family and friends. RIP Sammy.

Marie Fonde

January 9, 2013

Demurris, Ann called and told me about Sammy passing away. I called my brother, Bob Rodden who now lives in Tenn., and told him. We both are so sorry. Sammy has left lots of good songs behind to be remembered for. I know you have been so proud of him. You and the family are in our thoughts and prayers. May God Bless. Love, Marie Rodden Fonde

Carolyn Barratt

January 9, 2013

I remember all the songs mentioned in the article. I grew up listening to his music. He will be sadly missed. The music world will not be the same. Rest in peace. To his family may God wrap you in his arms and keep you there for the rest of your lives.

God bless you all.

F.T. McKinnon

January 9, 2013

Sammy, thank you so much for "Chevy Van." That song is in my iTunes library & I simply love singing along (badly) with it.
My condolences to Sammy's family and friends.

Ginger & Chuck Tilton

January 9, 2013

I am sorry for your loss, I grew up in the 70's, loved the song Chevy Van. He will be missed but not forgotten.. We will keep the family in our prayers.

Sherry Richmond Rice

January 9, 2013

Demuris I am so sorry for your loss and know how proud of Sammy you were He was a very talented individual I know Marie is smiling and so is Sammy You are all in my prayers and We Love You Sammy Is at Peace With all Of Our Loved Ones

Kent & Sammy before the show!

Kent Steel

January 9, 2013

Sammy was a good soul and his music will be missed, I'm so glad I was able to spend some time recording with him while he was here. He told me it was not a chevy but a ford econoline van and I have him singing that verse on a beautiful acoustic CD recorded by Sammy at a happy time in his life RIP my friend & God Speed!

Deborah Meyer

January 9, 2013

I don't think there is one of us who grew up in the '70's who didn't routinely sing along to Chevy Van. To have left such a piece of history like this is quite an accomplishment. Peace to you, Sammy.

bobby poteat

January 8, 2013

great entertainer and a good friend thanks for the memories

David Dobb

January 8, 2013

I did not know Sammy personally how ever one of his famous songs Chevy Van played a roll in my life as well as so many others lives during that time. so often we hear a song we like, respect the creator, but fail to explore the other many songs written by the artist. I had no idea how much music he had written for other artist until now. Rest in Peace Sammy your legacy and musical talent will live forever in many of our hearts and lives. we thank you for so many years of giving through your music. you will be missed and never forgotten.

Karen Featherstone Burchill

January 8, 2013

So sorry for your loss. I grew up listening to "Chevy Van". My Mother Colleen Erwin Featherstone was a friend of his sister Demurris growing up. Chevy Van will forever be in the heart of Americans.

STEVEN TILLY

January 8, 2013

Nothing but good memories everytime I hear Chevy Van. GOD BLESS SAMMY

teresa price

January 8, 2013

RIP u will be missed

Jennifer

January 8, 2013

Sammy and I had some great times. He played in my dads band Silverhawk and he was a blast. Sammy was loved and will be missed sincerely. RIP my dear friend

Melinda

January 8, 2013

Thanks for the memories....your songs will live on...

Angela Collett

January 8, 2013

You were such a big part of my younger years. My dad, mom, and uncle all played in a band in my grandparents basement when you all were young and my dad never stopped being so proud of your accomplishments and knowing you. We listened to "Chevy Van" on our record player repeatedly. I am sure I still have it stored with my other records. Rest in peace Sammy Johns and thanks for sharing your musical talents with us.

Brenda Fox

January 8, 2013

We were friends for several years and enjoyed hearing Sammy perform with Rick and the other guys. My husband Tommy an I will miss him. A great talent is gone forever.

Donald McCombs

January 8, 2013

Sammy taught me my first song on a guitar 59 years ago,
I have been playing instruments ever since.The song was honky tonk. We were in the same rock band in 1960. I use to come to your house on broad st in gastonia every day we were the best of friends. My name is Don McCombs and I'll never forget you. I have been playing music 59 years thanks to Sammy Johns.Your dad was deputy shireff in Gastonia.

January 8, 2013

One of my fondest childhood memories is of sitting in your mom's living room with the big fireplace where I loved to play & listening to that Chevy Van album over & over...I remember your visits and us sitting around the kitchen table...you playing your guitar and singing to your mother who was so proud of you...I know she is happy now that her baby is back home with her....Rest in Peace and much love to the family...Love...Melinda

Julie Wright

January 8, 2013

So sad to hear of Sammy's passing. I was 12 when Chevy Van was released and played it over and over. Thank you Sammy for such a great song. You've touched many with your music.

January 8, 2013

Sammy we want ever forget you.We all had some good times.Thanks for all the memories and music.Glad to have you for a friend!!! :) God bless

Zach T

January 8, 2013

I met Mr. Johns at a house party when I was around 13 years old. My parents knew who he was, and of course his song "Chevy Van". I remember having the chance to sit around and play guitar with him as well that night. Two days later, I learned his song and still listen to it to this day. It was an honor to meet you; Rest in Peace. Thoughts and Prayers to the family.

Windy Williamson Short

January 7, 2013

RIP.. sing your songs in heaven.

Leslie Beam

January 7, 2013

I hope my cousin will rest in peace and is with Aunt Marie now!

Tina Gordon

January 7, 2013

Chevy Van reminds me so much of my youth. Was always one of my all time favorites. May you now Rest In Peace and share your music and talent amongst the Angels in Heaven. Many prayers of comfort for the family during this time.

January 7, 2013

Thanks for teaching me how to play guitar , and lots of laughs at the Piedmont mill , Mark Queen

Barry Barker

January 7, 2013

I knew Sammy when he lived off of Morehead St. back in the late 50's and early 60's. I'll always remember "Chevy Van". It always has been in my heart. Rest in peace Sammy and may God comfort the John's family. Will miss you Sammy...

Alisha Johns

January 7, 2013

A cousin I wish I could have met. I feel as though I did know him and he will live on in our family. Rest in peace Sammy Johns.

January 7, 2013

God's speed on behalf of the Legendary WBT Briarhoppers....you went away before we could sing our song.

Sammy and our daughter in 2001 @ her cancer benefit.

Sherri Malpass

January 7, 2013

I will always cherish the years we spent together writing songs and I WILL NEVER FORGET YOU! RIP, MY DEAR FRIEND......UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN!!! ?

Tammy Holbrook

January 7, 2013

We will miss you Sammy!

January 7, 2013

RIP your song Chevy Van will always bring a smile to my face

Ron Lamberth

January 7, 2013

Rest in Peace Sammy. Your song "Chevy Van" will live on forever and is one of my all time favorites of my youth.

Ron Lamberth

January 7, 2013

Rest in Peace Sammy. Your song "Chevy Van" will live on forever and is one of my all time favorites of my youth!

Rick Hedgepeth

January 7, 2013

Sammy was a great friend.We spent alot of week ends together doing what he loved best singing and playing music. He will be missed and never forgotten!

January 7, 2013

Sammy & I worked a lot together over the years. I signed him to lowery music, produced few of his songs & managed him for a few years. He was an awesome talent. RIP. Tom Long.

Carol Stevenson-Shved

January 7, 2013

Rest in peace Mr Johns. Your song, "Chevy Van" always takes me back to the '70s. Best years of my life. May God surround your family with love.

Shirley Fields

January 7, 2013

Sammy will be missed by many. He was a good friend. Heaven has a new angel singing in the choir. You will be remembered always.

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