Sam Ginyard

Samuel Ginyard was known as many things to many people. To his friends and relatives he was known as "Big Sam". He was a loved one, a friend, and someone special. To family and friends who knew him best, Samuel will be remembered as a very exceptional person.

Samuel was born on July 7, 1956 in Long Island City, New York. He was the son of Lettie and Sam Ginyard. Samuel grew up in Long Island City, New York.

Samuel was raised with two siblings. He had one brother John Ginyard and one sister Carolyn Ginyard. Samuel was usually involved in all sorts of activities with his siblings. He and his siblings experienced rivalries typical of a growing family, but they shared many life experiences over the years.

As a young boy, Samuel had a number of interests. Like most children, he enjoyed playing and making up games. He was curious about the world around him and was often eager to explore it. Samuel was an active child who took part in hockey, softball, but loved football the most. He was a boy scout. In his spare time he liked to play football, he even made his sister Carolyn play. Samuel's memorable achievements included playing sports and receiving trophies. However, to Samuel, the most fun to be had was simply playing and spending time with his friends.

A typical teenager, Samuel had a fairly happy high school experience, making that critical transition from adolescence to adulthood. He enjoyed some classes more than others, having favorite subjects and teachers. His favorite class in high school was History. Most of Samuel's high school accomplishments were his trophies that he received from playing sports.

Always considered a “good” friend to those he knew, Samuel enjoyed a broad group of acquaintances and several very close friends during his lifetime. While growing up, some of his best friends were Joey, Thomason, Zeke Green, and Vincent Folds. Later in life, he became friends with Malcolm Williams, Wayne Wright, and Steven Glover.

Fortunately, Samuel enjoyed what he did for a living. Showing a strong work ethic, Samuel worked diligently and did his best to succeed in his career. His working career started on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange where he was employed since he was fresh out of high school. Later in life “Big Sam” became employed as a ground crew worker for American Airlines. Samuel always sought to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done.

Samuel enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were driving and being a great friend. He was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

Samuel found pleasure in sports. In high school, Samuel played basketball, football, and baseball. Samuel liked throwing the ball around with the kids. Samuel was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following his favorite events whenever he had the chance to do so. Tops on his list were hockey, football, and basketball.

Samuel enjoyed traveling and time away on vacations. It was a chance for him to renew and relax, to visit new places and experience new things. Favorite vacations included Virginia, Washington, South Carolina, and Florida.

Samuel was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of his favorites was a cat named Mittens. They were best friends for until he was about 17. His family was rounded out by his recently found cat named Nonu.

Samuel passed away on February 27, 2016 at Mount Sinai Hospital. Samuel died of plain old heartbreak of his mother's death. He also leaves behind three neices, Catrina, Janelle, and Jasmin; and his sister in law Joyce Ginyard. Services were held at Thomas M. Quinn Funeral Home. Samuel will be cremated and laid to rest in his home.

Simply stated, Samuel was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by his family and friends as being a caring and giving person, someone who was a vital part of their lives. Samuel leaves behind him a legacy of life-long friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life he touched will always remember Samuel Ginyard.