Joseph Gerald Sam was born on October 28, 1945, in the city of Opelousas, Louisiana. The oldest of Andrus and Nellie Sam's 4 children.

Joseph excelled in everything he undertook. Following high school, he followed in his father's footsteps and joined the U.S. Army.

He eventually married his longtime childhood sweetheart, Evelyn "Dorothy" Veronica Guidry and together they had a daughter, Janis Marie Sam. Joseph took his family with him around the world during his time in the Army, and once he left the service with the honor of the Bronze Star in tow, Joseph made roots in Houston, Texas.

During his life in Houston he took on a number of jobs including truck driver, postal worker, school bus driver, and eventually settled as public transit driver for Houston Metro. He served the Houston Metro for 20 years where he shined as a driver, instructor, and eventually supervisor to which he did up to retirement.

He was inseparable from his guitar and his fishing rod, and was no stranger to a good time and lots of laughter. He provided and cared for his family with immense love and care, before succumbing to cancer on January 19, 2025.

He was preceded in death by his father, Andrus, mother Nellie, parents-in-law Mr. & Mrs. Louis Guidry, son Bradford, and brother Patrick. He is survived by his wife of 58 years Evelyn, his daughter and son-in-law Janis and James Hackney, and his grandchildren, Bradford Howard, Jade Keys, and Joyah Hackney.