Claude E. "Johnny" Sams, 62, passed away Friday April 2, 2010 in Niagara Falls, NY. He was the son of Rose (Fields) Sams of Niagara Falls, NY and the late Charles Lee Sams, Jr.

Born in Norton, VA, Johnny worked as a laborer on the Texas & Tennessee Railroad and moved to the Niagara Falls area from Athens, TN in the mid 1990's. He enjoyed going to auto races and riding his bicycle. Johnny was also a very good mechanic and a jack of all trades.

In addition to his mother, he is survived by his former wife Diane Sams of Lanior City, TN; his son Chad (Lisa) Sams Fontanarosa of Knoxville, TN and was predeceased by a son John Jason Sams. He is also survived by his two grandchildren Taylor Sams and Nicholas Fonatanarosa; three sisters Virginia A. Noworyta of Athens, TN, Patricia L. (Samuel) Toarmino and Linda Sams (Matthew Whitney) both of Niagara Falls, NY; a brother Charles Lee Sams, III of Niagara Falls, NY; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his sisters Carolyn Frances Littlefeather, Margerie Sams, and two brothers Gary B. (Sally of Niagara Falls, NY) Sams and William "Terry" Sams. He was the uncle of the late Charles E. Toarmino.

Visitation Tuesday 6 – 8 p.m. at M.J. COLUCCI & SON FUNERAL CHAPEL, 468 19th STREET, NIAGARA FALLS, NY.