Delaware legislators honor beloved GOP leader Ron Sams
Republican leaders from the Delaware House and Senate took time to honor longtime activist and former Sussex County Republican Committee Chair Ron Sams during the committee’s August meeting in Georgetown.
Sen. Gerald Hocker, R-Ocean View, opened the meeting by presenting a formal, signed tribute to Sams on behalf of the Delaware Senate.
“I won my first election by 57 votes, and Ron did so many things to whip up those 57 votes. I know a lot of hardworking Republicans, but I don’t know of any that have worked as hard as Ron,” Hocker said.
The Senate tribute was signed by Senate President Pro Tem David Sokola, D-Newark; Ryan Dunphy, Senate secretary; and a long list of senators including Hocker, Bonini, Lawson, Lopez, Pettyjohn, Richardson and Wilson.
A separate House of Representatives tribute was presented by Rep. Rich Collins, R-Millsboro. Collins stressed the pivotal role Sams played in unifying the Republican Party during turbulent moments in the past. “What did Ron do when the party was literally falling apart in this county? He went out and formed a brand-new group that kept the ball rolling in a very spectacular way, getting the job done. I just thank you so much,” said Collins, who represents the Indian River district where Sams now lives.
Rep. Ruth Briggs King, R-Georgetown, joined in the accolades. “I just want to say that I think you’ve been more instrumental than almost anybody in getting Republicans elected to Sussex County. Moreover, I think you established a model for the Republican Party to follow. You showed that though we’re a big tent, and though there’s always room for differences of opinion, when we come together, we come together and elect Republican candidates. That’s what you stood for, and I appreciate you so very much,” she said.
Sams was born in rural Kansas and grew up on a small family farm. He was a star athlete and began his education at the University of Kansas on a football scholarship. After graduation, he landed a job at Boeing Aircraft, then got a better job a few years later at Hercules Inc. in Wilmington. Eventually he moved to Sussex County, where he became involved in the work of the Sussex County GOP. He has been married to his wife Suzanne for 66 years, and together they have three children, five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Sams will celebrate his 90th birthday Nov. 26.
