Samuel Joseph Hurt

Samuel was kind to others and considerate toward everyone he met. His house has always been open to all, especially children. His house has a revolving door constantly in motion welcoming friends and family. But even when he was assaulted by illness, Samuel remained patient, caring, silly and loving to all who visited his home. He played games and freestyle rapped with his younger cousins and his sibling’s many friends. His kindness was so overpowering that most did not realize he was helping them while he himself was struggling to survive.

Samuel was generous and empathetic. One of his favorite memories was assisting the Knights of Columbus by handing out medals to the competitors in the Special Olympics. In fact, he was so giving that just weeks before his death, as he was internally fighting his disease, Samuel asked if he could help with the Special Olympics again soon. His spirit and will was concentrated on trying to give to others. He gave his family so much. He was quick to point out the positive from the moment he could first speak and it gave him the most joy to see others happy. Samuel was also incredibly empathic. He had a gift of knowing when others were suffering and always offered comfort and support. Even in his own group therapy sessions when he was a patient, the other participants sought him out for affirmation and counsel. Samuel would often draw pictures for his family and friends to cheer them up when he perceived they were down. His empathy was his greatest gift.

Samuel loved being in nature and spent every moment he could outside. The respect he had for other humans extended to everything around him. He loved to go with his siblings and cousins to the lake and to rivers to fish and swim. He especially loved the beach and the ocean waves.

Samuel was diligent and conscientious. For the past several years, he worked in a variety of roles at the Taco Joint restaurant in his Lake Highlands community. Samuel was always on time, polite, respectful and put out maximum effort. He took his job seriously and strove to do his best no matter the task he was given or how he was feeling inside.

Samuel was a parishioner of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Dallas. The St. Patrick community was his second home. Samuel was baptized, received his First Communion and was confirmed in the Christian faith at St. Patrick. He was an altar server during Masses at the church. In recent years he spent countless hours with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament in Adoration. Samuel graduated St. Patrick School in 2016 and was the sole recipient of the President’s Award in his class, given for his high character and exemplary behavior. He graduated from Lake Highlands High School in 2020.

Samuel was an undeserved and welcome gift to his parents, Brian and Jennifer Hurt, who survive him. Samuel is also survived and loved by his sister, Elizabeth Lau, brother in law Garrett Lau, sister Anna Marie Hurt, brother John Paul Hurt, brother Andrew Hurt and sister Juliet Hurt. His memory will live forever with his family.

Samuel’s visitation will be 7:00-9:00 pm Friday, October 15, 2021 at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 9643 Ferndale Rd, Dallas, Texas, with recitation of the Rosary at 8:00 pm. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 am Saturday, October 16, 2021 at St. Patrick Catholic Church with interment following at Restland Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, Samuel’s family asks that donations be made in his memory to:

Faith Fitness Ministry; 10228 E Northwest Hwy #1036, Dallas, TX 75238

with Samuel’s name in the memo line. https://www.faithfitnessministry.net/