Sam was born on January 19, 1934 in Palestine to Hanna and Liza Dabit. In 1953, he left his home and journeyed to Kuwait where he worked to support his family back home. On October 13, 1956, he set out from Beirut on a passenger vessel named the S.S. Cleopatra destined to start a new life abroad. On November 9th, he arrived at Ellis Island. While working in Chicago for three years, he passed through Mississippi and liked it so much that he decided to stay. On his first trip back overseas to visit his family, he met his wife, Lamia Rustom, and they were joined in holy matrimony on June 14, 1964 in Damascus, Syria.
Upon his return, he laid down his roots in Jackson, Mississippi. This foundation provided him with the means to start a new life. He and his wife started their first business in downtown Jackson where it has been for more than fifty years. He soon thereafter worked to bring all seven of his siblings and both parents over in hopes of providing them with the same opportunity he sought himself. They would all go on to flourish under his guidance. He left behind a tremendous legacy with many success stories attributed to his hard work. He will always be remembered for his hard work, altruism, humility, love for others, respectfulness, and infectious laughter.
Sam is preceded in death by his parents and son-in-law, Warren Strain.
He is survived by his loving and supportive wife, Lamia Rustom Dabit; children, Dr. Jean Dabit Kafoury (Dr. Ramzi), Sandra Strain, John Dabit, and Dr. Sam Dabit (Dana); grandchildren, Abraham, Tiffany, and Brandon; great grandson, Joseph; and siblings, Aida, Milad, Samir, Elias, Farah, Edmon, and Abraham, and their families.
Visitation on Monday, January 24, 2022 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm will be held at Parkway Funeral Home (1161 Highland Colony Parkway, Ridgeland, MS 39157). A short visitation on January 25, 2021 at 9:30 am followed by funeral service at 10:00 am at St. Peter Antiochian Orthodox Church (180 St. Augustine Drive, Madison, MS 39110).
The family requests that masks be worn and social distancing be observed.
Memorial donations may be made to St. Peter Antiochian Orthodox Church at P. O. Box 2084, Madison, Mississippi 39130-2084.
