Brother Sammie Joe Dunford, 73, of Jamestown, Tennessee, entered his eternal home on February 10, 2026, at Methodist Medical Center in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.

Born January 9, 1953, in Jamestown, Sammie lived a life defined by faith, service, and devotion to family. He married the love of his life, Millie Lynn Stephens, on March 23, 1973, and together they shared over 52 years of marriage centered on faith and family. Bro. Sammie preached his first sermon on November 2, 1980, at Old Barger Church and faithfully served in ministry for more than four decades. His final sermon was delivered on January 4, 2026, at Grace Fellowship Church. Known for his compassionate heart and steady leadership, his ministry extended far beyond the pulpit and touched countless lives.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, February 15, 2026 at 3:00 pm at the Grace Fellowship Church in Jamestown. Burial will follow in the Allardt Cemetery.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, February 15, 2026 from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm at Grace Fellowship Church in Jamestown.

Bro. Sammie is survived by:
Wife, Millie Dunford
Children: Melissa Norris and husband Roger
Micah Dunford and wife Abbi
Brandi Dunford
Grandchildren: Byron and wife Ryleigh
Braxton and wife Shelbie
Benjamin and wife Taylor
Annabeth, Samuel, Braylin, Abel,
Amyiah, Isaiah, Siler, and Myles
Great Grandchild: Mallee Shea
Step-grandchildren: Leah and Riley
Step Great Grandchildren: Payton, Bria, Jaxtyn
Sisters: Reba Lowe
Lois Bise
And a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends

He is preceded in death by:
Father: Samuel Roy Dunford
Mother: Nellie (Atkins) Dunford Downs
Sister: Wilma Ruth Galapon
Brothers-in-law: Gaines Lowe
Robert “Bob” Bise
Brothers: Charlie Dunford and Jay Dunford

Bro. Sammie’s legacy of faith, love, and faithful service will continue to live on in the lives of all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations to be made to the Grace Fellowship Church Memorial Fund in memory of Bro. Sammie. Donations can be left at Jennings Funeral Homes or mailed to the funeral home at P.O. Box 765, Jamestown, TN 38556.

Jennings Funeral Homes of Jamestown is in charge of services for Bro. Sammie Joe Dunford of Jamestown.