Born on March 5, 1973, in Brownsville, TX, Samuel was the eldest of three children to Sergio Chong and Bernarda Echavarria Chong. He grew up with a love for adventure / action movies, Tejano music, cruising around town with his step-dad, then later in life he went through phases of watching telenovelas, soccer and lastly the game show network channel.
Sammy did not have the ability to speak at birth but his way of communication was heard. We listened to his expressions, eye contact and we understood. He did not need words to express his passion –his faith in Jesus Christ. He was very passionate of saying Grace before every feeding and praying the Rosary with mom daily.
His greatest joy came from being visited by his nieces, nephews, cousins. He enjoyed the family gatherings at home. He loved to be a part of the birthday songs. He loved cheering for the Houston Astros (especially if Altuve was playing), Dallas Cowboys, or the family he would pick for the day in Family Feud with Steve Harvey. He would get a kick out of watching telenovela arguments; or being a participant in pranking mom; or outing someone that did something wrong.
He will be remembered for his kind spirit, his infectious laugh, and his ability to make others smile during dark times. Because of Sammy, we all grew up in a household that loved strong; a love that knew no boundaries –a true unconditional love that goes beyond measure. God has given us the gift of having Sammy in our lives and now, this Christmas Eve, Sammy is a precious gift in the House of the Lord.
He is survived by his loving parents, Bernarda R. Chong and Sergio Chong. Samuel also leaves behind his sisters, Debbie Chong-Zamora and Kim Chiu Chong-Gutierrez, along with his half-siblings, Belinda Chong, Sergio Chong Jr., and Steven Chong. He was a cherished uncle to his nephews, Joseph R. Garza, Jacob Zamora, Joshua Zamora, Issac Hinojosa, Sergio Hinojosa, Elijah "Eli" Chong, and Ezekiel "Zeke" Chong, and his niece, Debbie-Rose Longoria. Samuel will be missed by his brothers-in-law, Carlos Zamora and Alfred Gutierrez, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, and an uncle.
He was preceded in death by his stepfather, Jose Angel Fuentes, his aunt, Mary Cardenas, his maternal grandparents, Consuelo Mendoza and Prospero Echavarria, Sr., and his paternal grandparents, Margarita Chong and Samuel Chong.
Visitation will be held on December 29, 2025, from 2:00 pm to 10:00 pm at Funeraria Del Angel Buena Vista, located at 125 McDavitt Blvd, Brownsville, TX 78521. A Rosary will be recited at 7:00 pm in the Chapel of Peace at the same location.
The Chapel Service will take place on December 30, 2025, at 10:00 am in the Chapel Of Peace, followed by the Burial at Buena Vista Burial Park, 5 McDavitt Blvd, Brownsville, Texas, at 11:00 am.
Samuel will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by all who knew him.
