Nung C. Chee

Nung Cheu Chee, of Houston, Texas, passed away peacefully at home on September 13, 2026, at the age of 94, surrounded by his loving family. Born on April 18, 1932, Nung lived a long and fulfilling life marked by hard work, dedication, and an unwavering love for his family. He leaves behind a legacy of cherished memories that will forever be treasured by those who knew and loved him.

In 1955, Nung moved to New York, where he began building the foundation of a life defined by perseverance, determination, and family values. In 1963, he returned to Hong Kong to marry the love of his life, Helen. Together, they embarked on a remarkable journey, eventually settling in Houston, where they welcomed their first daughter, Anna, and built a loving home centered on family, faith, and hard work.

Nung was a devoted husband and a deeply loving father who always placed his family at the heart of everything he did. He was the chef, owner, and operator of two beloved family-owned Chinese restaurants, Ho Ho's and China Star. A master chef, Nung took immense pride in his craft and was respected for his attention to detail, commitment to quality, and passion for creating memorable dining experiences. Through his cooking, he brought comfort, joy, and connection to countless customers and family members alike, expressing his love through every meal he prepared.

Outside the kitchen, Nung found great joy in gardening. He spent countless hours tending to his vegetable gardens, nurturing colorful flowers, and caring for his meticulously maintained lawn. He loved being outdoors, relaxing on the beach, enjoying the sunshine, or working in his garden, where he found both peace and purpose.

Known for his ingenuity and creativity, Nung was often compared to "MacGyver" by those who knew him best. He had a remarkable ability to build, repair, and create almost anything, often captivating his family with his craftsmanship and resourcefulness. In his leisure time, he also enjoyed his evening tradition of watching WWE wrestling, a pastime that brought him great entertainment over the years.

Nung will be remembered for his unwavering devotion to his family, his strong work ethic, his generous spirit, and the kindness and joy he brought to everyone around him. His legacy lives on through the family he cherished, the lives he touched, and the countless memories he created. Though he will be deeply missed, his love, wisdom, and example will remain in the hearts of those who knew him for generations to come.

Nung's legacy of love, perseverance, and devotion to family will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Helen Chee; his daughters and their husbands, Anna and Tony Gee, Barbara and Mando Reyna, and Cheryl and Jesse Garcia.

He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren and great-grandchild: Bri Sanchez and Marissa Sanchez, and great-grandchild Landon Sanchez, Kyle Gee, Drs. Justin and Jackie Gee, Savannah Sanchez, Jesse Garcia and Diego Garcia.