This past Thursday, February 2, 2017, the Greater Houston-area lost one of the most philanthropic, business-minded and engaging personalities the city has ever known, as longtime businessman Sam C. Guess passed away – a few days shy of what would have been his 54th birthday.
Born February 16, 1963, Sam was the youngest of four siblings to his parents John F. Guess, Sr. and Freddie Guess. He grew up in Houston, Texas, and lived here most of his life. Sam attended Lamar High School, and then matriculated to New Orleans, Louisiana, where he studied Business and Economics at Xavier University. Upon graduating from Xavier in 1985, Sam returned to Houston, and in 1989, he and his cousin, Walter Johnson, took over the management duties of their family business – Johnson Funeral Home.
Sam was a friend to many of people in the Greater Houston community, particularly as the COO of Johnson Funeral Home, where he made contact with many families and friends during their most difficult and challenging times of life, dealing with the loss of a loved one.
Sam’s talent and humanity made those times bearable for so many.
Sam had a smile that was not only engaging, it was contagious. He was not only a caring and compassionate businessman, he was also an extremely outgoing and approachable individual, who will always be remembered by so many as a good friend who always had a smile and greeting for you to brighten your day.
Sam was an avid golfer, and was a proud and active member of Pilgrim Congregational United Church of Christ. He was also a proud member of the Nu Phi chapter of Omega Psi Phi, Inc. in Houston. Sam served as past president of The Fred C. Johnson Foundation; Chief Operating Officer of Johnson Funeral Home; Vice President of Johnson-Guess Investments; former Board of Directors member of The National Funeral Directors & Morticians Association, Inc; and a wonderful husband to his wife Susan and father to his two sons.
The visitation for Sam C. Guess was held on Wednesday, February 8th from 1 pm – 9 pm at Johnson Funeral Home – 5730 Calhoun, Houston, Texas 77021. The Celebration of Life Service was held on Thursday, February 9th at 11 am at Pilgrim Congregational United Church of Christ – 3115 Blodgett St., Houston, Texas 77004. Please send condolences to: The Guess Family c/o Johnson Funeral Home – 5730 Calhoun, Houston, Texas 77021.
The Forward Times wishes to express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Sam C. Guess during this time of bereavement.