Samir Boulos Salem was born February 7, 1951 and passed away peacefully with his family by his side on March 9, 2023. Sam or Sammy as he was known to so many was born in Ramallah, Palestine and immigrated as child with his family to the United States in 1957 and settled in Jacksonville, Florida. Sam grew up on the Westside of town and graduated from Robert E Lee High School in 1969.
In 1975, Sam took over his fathers’ business Whiteway Deli. For the next 40 years, Sam turned his business into a neighborhood icon where three generations of families grew up, neighbors gathered and friendships were made. Sam was a friend to all, never met a stranger and always would remember your name. He cared for everyone who walked through his door and fostered a lifelong friendship with so many wonderful families.
Sam cared for his community, serving throughout the years on the Riverside Avondale Preservation, Park and King Merchants, St. Marks Episcopal Day School and Museum of Science and History Boards. Sam was a member of St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church serving on the Parish Council and The Ramallah American Club of Jacksonville.
Above all else, Sam was a family man; enjoying nothing more in life than to spend time with his loved ones. Sam was preceded in death by his parents Boulos and Farideh Salem; He is survived by his devoted wife of 47 years, Hanan; his beloved children; Amanda, Paul (Jamie) and Ryan and the joy of his life his four grandchildren; Jackson and Alden Salem and Olivia and Frank Mackoul. He is also survived by his brother Charles Salem (Sharon), sisters Anne and Lilly Hassan (Emil) and many other loving family members.
The family would like to thank the wonderful team of doctors and nurses that provided care at MD Anderson and Hospice.
The family visitation to greet friends will be held on Tuesday March 14, 2023 from 5 PM to 7 PM with a Trisagion Service at 7 PM and on Wednesday March 15, 2023 at 9 AM at St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church, Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday March 15 2023 at 10 AM at St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church 6300 Bowden Road with burial to follow at Riverside Memorial Park. The Very Reverend Father Kamal Al-Rahil, officiating.
Arrangements are under the care of Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin, 11801 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL. 32223.
Memorial donations may be made in memory of Samir Salem to St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hgmandarin.com for the Salem family.
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