Jerry Paul Sams

Jerry Paul Sams, age 74, passed away Friday, October 2, 2026, in the comfort of his home in Waco, Texas, surrounded by his family.

Funeral services will be held Monday, October 12 at 10:00 a.m. in the Choir Suite at First Baptist Church of Woodway, 101 Ritchie Road, Woodway, TX 76712.

Jerry was born on August 2, 1952, in St. Petersburg, Florida, the fourth of six children born to the late Horace and Winifred Sams. Because of his father’s career as a chaplain in the U.S. Army, Jerry grew up living in Florida, Georgia, Germany, New York City, Colorado, and California. These experiences instilled an early appreciation for different cultures and people that remained with him throughout his life.

Jerry then moved to Waco in 1970 to attend Baylor University, majoring in Education. While there he met his wife of 51 years, Celinda Dail Bauerschlag.

Jerry placed a high value on education and devoted much of his life to investing deeply in the young lives he encountered. During his senior year at Baylor, he founded Youth Enterprises, a residential home for teenage boys and girls -- an early initiative that reflected his compassion and commitment to young people that would characterize his life’s work.

He then imparted his love for learning to countless students during an impactful 30-year career as an educator and administrator at several public and private schools. He especially enjoyed sharing his love of learning with his students through exposure to new places, experiences, and cultures throughout the United States and Europe. His influence extended far beyond the classroom as faith and discipleship were also central to Jerry’s life.

Above all, Jerry was deeply devoted and fiercely loyal to his family.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Horace and Winifred Sams, and his sister, Judith Litchfield.

He is survived by his loving wife, Dail; his five children, Mark Leuschner and wife Jennifer, Aaron Sams and wife Bekah, Brandon Sams, Alise Francis and husband Chad, and Adam Sams and wife Lauren; his twelve grandchildren, Grace Leuschner, Emily Leuschner, Audrey Leuschner, Luke Sams, Lainee Sams, Ezra Bartlett-Sams, Billie Bartlett-Sams, Owen Bartlett-Sams, Hank Francis, Lincoln Sams, Carter Sams, and George Sams. He is also survived by his four siblings, Jim Sams and wife Cathy, John Sams and wife Rosie, Joey Sams, and wife Julie, Jeannie Turner, and husband Steve, as well as many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in Jerry’s honor to Twelve Stones Global twelvelivingstones.org or to the Salvation Army.

The family invites you to leave a message or memory of Jerry in his “Memorial Guestbook” at www.WHBfamily.com.