Garvis L. Sams Jr.

Garvis L. Sams Jr., 72, of Marietta, Georgia, passed away peacefully on January 9, 2025. He was born in Atlanta on September 9, 1952, the only child of Sybil Phillips Sams and Garvis Leon Sams. He attended Marietta High School graduating in 1970. A proud graduate of the University of Georgia, Garvis earned a bachelor’s degree in English Literature before furthering his education with a law degree from Woodrow Wilson College of Law in 1978. He devoted 45 years to the legal profession, first practicing with his father at Sams, Glover & Gentry, LLP; and then continuing his father’s legacy by opening his own firm, Sams, Larkin, & Huff, LLP in 1994. Serving as Managing Partner since that time. His legal career was marked by an unwavering commitment to excellence and a dedication to his clients. Garvis was admitted to practice before the Georgia Supreme Court, the Georgia Court of Appeals, the U.S. District Court, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, and the United States Supreme Court. Garvis’ leadership in the community and reputation as a distinguished attorney in the field of land use and zoning was recognized throughout Georgia. He was named one of Georgia’s Super Lawyers in 2011 and 2012. In 2014, the Georgia State Senate honored him for over three decades of legal excellence and his service to the community as one of the preeminent zoning and land development attorneys in metro Atlanta. A lifelong resident of Marietta, Garvis was deeply connected to his hometown. He is survived by his mother Sybil Phillips Sams; his three daughters, Amy Sams Lyda; Emily Sams Brown and her husband Dan; Alisha Stark and her husband Chuck; three grandchildren, Sams Blake Lyda; Rayme Claire Brown and Arden Deborah Brown; several cousins on his mother’s side as well as dozens of loving in laws in Texas. He was predeceased by his father Garvis Leon Sams, Sr. and treasured wife of 30 years, Cloma Lynn Sams. Garvis leaves behind a legacy of professionalism, integrity, and a commitment to serving others—values that will continue to inspire those who knew him. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM, Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at Marietta First Baptist Church Chapel. Visitation will be held from 12 to 2 PM prior to the service. A private family graveside burial will take place at Kennesaw Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Women of Hope at the link provided. https://givebutter.com/10-women-of-hope-inc

Garvis L. Sams Jr.

September 9, 1952 - January 9, 2025