Joe "Roger" Sams, age 80 of Big Rapids formerly of Tuscola, Illinois, passed away Saturday, January 5, 2019 at Altercare of Big Rapids. He was born in Sulphur Lick, Kentucky, the son of Ples and Opal (Copass) Sams. Joe married Anita Dinsmore in 1959 and together they raised their family in Decatur, Illinois and Jenison, Michigan. Joe was employed by Nabisco when his family lived in Illinois. Later, when Roger and Anita moved to Big Rapids, he began his career as a real estate agent with Green Ridge Realty. He enjoyed the outdoors; hunting, fishing, and golfing. Roger also liked to bowl. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Anita Sams of Big Rapids; three children, Tammy E. (Stephen) Wadase of Poway, California, Teresa K. Mosel of Ingleside, Texas, and Joe R. (Cindy) Sams of Jenison; son-in-law, Ken VanSlyke of Wyoming, Michigan; ten grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; two brothers, Harold (Inge) Clarkson of Johnsonville, Illinois and Roy D. (Sandy) Clarkson of Tuscola, Illinois; sister, Debbie (Steve) Cook of Tuscola, Illinois; and many nieces and nephews. Roger was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Tabitha VanSlyke, granddaughter Melissa, and brother Gerald Clarkson. Cremation has taken place and a memorial service is pending at this time. Arrangements and care are entrusted to the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Share a memory or leave a condolence for the family by clicking the guestbook tab at www.daggettgilbertfuneralhome.com