Samuel Santana Jr.

Samuel Santana Jr was born on May 27, 1966, in San Benito, TX. His parents were Samuel Santana Sr and Olivia Rodriguez Santana. Samuel passed away on March 7, 2023, in the city of Edinburg, TX at the age of 56.

His siblings were Brenda, Pamela, and Lorena. Samuel, or ‘Sammy’, as he was known in Falfurrias community, spent his younger years dabbling in school and extracurricular activities, trying to gauge any new interests he might have throughout his middle school years. Joining organizations like J.V. football and self-starting local businesses such as a neighborhood lawn mowing and newspaper distribution service. His time in J.V football exposed his appreciation for alternative arts, styles, and ways of thinking. His years in high school yearbook revealed his love for movies, shows, and documentaries. His community service jobs established his work ethic. His affiliation in theater vested his interest in story-telling, hosting gatherings, and entertaining others.

It comes as no surprise, for those that knew him, that by far the most influential part of his younger years was joining the famous Boy Scouts of America in 7th grade. His child interests and hobbies would inevitably transpose across to his life decisions and establish who he was as a husband, a father, a brother, a mentor, a patriot, a leader, a jack-of-all-trades, an entertainer, an intellectual, and above all, a God-fearing man.

Sammy became Sam on his first day of college, attending the Texas College of Arts and Industries in 1984 which later became Texas A&M University-Kingsville. He majored in Business, while also embracing the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. This decision would broaden his perspective of brotherhood and in return would provide him with lifelong friendship. In college, Sam also found an affinity for alternative 80’s music, expanding his pallet for all music, popular and unique alike. In his return from college, in 1992, Sam became the General Manager for a local Discount Liquor store in Kingsville, TX. This eventually ignited his career as an HEB Partner, ultimately leading him to become a General Manager Wine Steward. There, Sam proudly served his community for 22 years, impacting the lives of everyone who had the honor of encountering him.

Sam married Cynthia Ann Santana on December 15th, 1990. In 1991, their daughter Mia Sara Santana was born, followed by Samuel Falcon Santana in 1995. Once established, Sam’s family became one of the pillars of his values; God, Family, Country. In Harlingen Texas, in 2006, Sam began the life-long journey of building his forever home. As time passed, so did his outlook on life. Sam’s view on politics, religion, and other worldly topics matured into what he felt was the epitome of what it means to be a witty, seeker of knowledge, jack-of-all trades, lover for the arts, outdoorsman; a true Renaissance Man.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.heavenlygracergv.com for the Santana family.