Tithvanthan Samrith

With his family by his side, Tithvanthan “Sam” Samrith, 71, passed away after his 18-month long battle with pancreatic cancer on August 24th, 2023.

Tithvanthan “Sam” Samrith was born in Phenom Penh, Cambodia on September 21, 1951. Growing up, he had an affinity for math. He graduated with a degree in mathematics and taught the subject at the university level. After the Khmer Rouge grasped control of Cambodia in 1975, he lost the majority of his family and witnessed the great tragedy of the killing fields. He fled to Thailand in 1976 and later immigrated to America in 1980. He began his new life in Dallas, TX calling the DFW metroplex home for over 40 years.

As a polyglot of six languages, English, Khmer, Thai, Vietnamese, French, and Lao, he found himself in a career with Catholic Charities as a case worker responsible for refugee arrivals and helping them adjust to their new lives in America, the same way he did. This involved airport pickups, job assistance, and enrolling their children in school. After his time with Catholic Charities, he explored a sundry of other occupations, including cab driver, Handitran driver, school bus driver, security, armored car driver, operations management, and banking cash reconciliation with JPM Chase. He worked tirelessly, juggling jobs, enduring long hours, all to ensure that his children never knew the hardships he did.

Outside of work, he was very involved and well known in the Cambodian community. He often volunteered and helped organize multiple celebratory events at the Cambodian temple. His favorite activities include cooking authentic Cambodian dishes, DIY home repair, gardening, fishing, traveling to the beach, watching sports, and spending time with his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife Phaly Samrith, his three children Mullyvan Samrith, Mullykar Ruddock, and Cheana Lillard, and his three grandchildren Fiona Ruddock, Roman Rudduck, and Jackson Samrith. He is also survived by his sister Srey Keo Samrith, cousin Yaran Duch, and nephew Sophary Lean Keo Phanha.

He was protective of his family, proud of his Cambodian heritage, and loved America, the country that gave him opportunities for a better life. He was full to the brim with knowledge gained through all of his life experiences. We will always remember his strength, compassion, his signature culinary dishes, and the wonderful stories he shared.

Funeral service will be 9:00 am Friday September 1, 2023 at Moore Funeral Home, 1219 North Davis Dr. Arlington, Texas 76012. He will be laid to rest at Moore Memorial Gardens.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.moore-funeralhome.com for the Samrith family.