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BORN
1950
DIED
2017
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Mark Sams Obituary
Tallahassee - Major Mark Steven Sams, USMC (Retired) passed away on December 31, 2017 at age 67 in Tallahassee, Florida. Mark was born in Kensington, Pennsylvania in 1950. After graduating from Ohio State University in 1971, he was commissioned a 2nd Lt. in the U.S. Marine Corps.
During his Marine Corps career, his first assignment was as a tank and light armored reconnaissance platoon commander. In 1986, he was assigned duties as an Aerial Observer with Marine Observation Squadron Two, Camp Pendleton, California. During this assignment he deployed to the Persian Gulf for "Operation Earnest Will," when President Reagan ordered the escort of Kuwaiti oil tankers. He also was deployed to our southern border for Joint Drug Enforcement Interdiction operations.
In 1990, Mark was hand selected as an instructor for the Naval Strike Warfare Center in Fallon, Nevada. It is the premier school for integrating advanced tactics and weapons for the Navy's Aircraft Carrier Battle Group. During this time, he deployed to Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm.
After retiring from the US Marine Corps Major Sams was a helicopter pilot and deputy for the Levy County Sheriff's Office. After leaving the Sheriff's Office he was a fixed wing pilot for the Florida Department of Agriculture, Division of Forestry for fifteen years. During his career with Forestry he provided aerial support to wildland firefighters on the ground. When not flying Mark enjoyed being at the beach and spending time with his friends.
A memorial service to celebrate Mark Sams and to thank all his wonderful friends who enriched his life will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, January 6th, at Bevis Funeral Home, located at 200 John Knox Road in Tallahassee, Florida.
Mark is survived by his niece Yvette Cunat, his great nephew Ryan Krocker, and his wife, Laura Bruce. Mark was preceded in death by his mother Margaret Dannemiller, his father Norman Sams, and his sister Dian Cunat.
The family requests in lieu of flowers a memorial contribution may be made to a veterans service organization or the St. Jude Children's Research Center 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Kelly Barber of Bevis Funeral Home in Tallahassee (850/385-2193 or www.bevisfh.com) is assisting the Same family with their arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Mark Sams
Sponsored by Bevis Funeral Home - Tallahassee Cremation-Prearrangement Center.
Richard DuVall
December 29, 2023
I was the Executive Officer of the 2nd Light Armored Vehicle Battalion at Camp Lejeune when Mark was the S-3 Operations Officer. I had the pleasure to work with him on a daily basis. He was a great Marine ,a great man and a very good friend. Rest in peace brother.
Major R. G. DuVall USMC Ret.
stan kaleta
November 6, 2018
Mark and I were neighbors growing up in Parma,Ohio during the 1960`s. His close friend ,Ken Soltesz , went to jr high and 1 year at Parma High school. after that we loss touch since his parents decided to send him to a military academy . This guy was full of life and always enjoyed a good laugh: this I will always remember. When I thought of him , I looked Mark up on the internet and sadden of his passing. If I only could thank him for his service to our country. Mark- I thank you for our short time together and finally, thank you for your devotion and service to the U.S. Lord Bless.
Mickey COE
March 24, 2018
We lost a wonderful friend with a heart bigger than us all.
tom vaughn
January 16, 2018
Mark will be missed. Semper Fi
tom
Andrew Finlayson
January 5, 2018
Rest in peace, Marine. Mark was the Operations Officer of the 2nd LAV Battalion when I joined that unit in 1986 and to say he was a major force in that unit would be a gross understatement. He did his job with great expertise and a devotion to the Marines of the unit that can only be described as outstanding in all respects. He was funny, competent and gregarious, the kind of man and Marine everyone respected and liked. I will always carry his memory with me. Semper Fi!
Russell Pharris
January 4, 2018
Major Mark Tubo Sams,
Mark and I flew numerous missions in the OV-10 of VMO-2 during his time at Camp Pendleton, CA. What an energetic, lead by example Officer of Marines. I'll never forget our many flights over 29 Palms during exercises training Marines. I remember one day when we just couldn't miss. We had so much fun that flight as we were using rocket lofting techniques to mark targets for attack aircraft. We must have hit the target on almost every run allowing us to clear other aircraft with the phrase Hit the smoke. What a day!
Semper Fi Tubo
Russell J Pharris, Lieutenant Colonel USMC RET
Morgan Hutchinson
January 4, 2018
Mark;
You, Sandy and I had some great times together and had some that weren't so great. Through it all you were always loyal and a true friend!
To a good man and an even better Marine...Semper Fi Buddy.
Morgan Hutchinson CWO-4 USMCR (Ret.
Larry Paul
January 4, 2018
A Marine, a legend, a public servant and most importantly a true friend who will be missed by all. Your boisterous laugh and jovial attitude will be sorely missed. We may be sad down here on earth as we grieve your passing, but the angels in heaven are jubilant. Semper Fi my good man and Rest In Peace.
January 4, 2018
Mark was our S-3 in the 2nd LAV Battalion. It was a Privilege and an Honor to serve with him. His contribution to the forming of the first LAV Battalion formed was invaluable. God Bless you Mark. Semper Fidelis
Major Rick DuVall USMC (Ret)
BILL Dawkins
January 4, 2018
RIP MARINE SEMPER FI GREAT FRIEND GREAT MARINE.
January 4, 2018
MARK SAMS WAS A OUTSTANDING MARINE WHO LOVED HIS FELLOW MARINES HE WILL BE MISSED SEMPER FI RIP MASTER GUNS DAWKINS
Pam Landis
January 4, 2018
"Smokey" came to University Air Center almost daily and was such a wonderful man. We told stories of Flying and we always had a good laugh together. I will miss him calling and me leaving him notes on his receipt with a smiley face.God bless you Smokey....i will miss you
Scott Lambert
January 3, 2018
I knew mark for several years during his time as a foresty pilot. Sams as we all called him was just a plane good guy
,Iam shocked nad saddned to learn of his passing. I will really miss the good talks we had is his hangar office, there we could solve all the worlds problems. Sams was the consement worker and professional in everything he did . We lost a great man,American and friend.
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