Sam Gourdine Jr.

Sam Gourdine Jr. departed his earthly body on May 5, 2019 surrounded by the love of family. Born on November 22, 1957, Sam was affectionately known to family and friends as Ricky, Huss or Sammy G. He was the “oldest son” born to the late Sam Gourdine and his mother Shirley Gourdine McCree.

At a young age, Sam’s parents instilled in him a love of God. He was baptized at First Baptist Church and became an active member of the youth community at First Baptist.

He grew up in Somerset, New Jersey where he was educated and graduated from Franklin High School in 1976. From high school Sam attended Lincoln University. At Lincoln he continued his relationship with his high school sweetheart, Cheryl Gourdine. The two were married in 1978 and from their union four beautiful children were born, Rashaunda, Tyshun, Dashaun, and Shalaunda.

Sam was always fun loving and showed that love to those around him. He gave his love and affection openly to his family. In his early years of marriage he owned his own business Gourdine Floor Waxing Service. Over the years he continued to pour his love into taking care of his family holding many different positions. Sam worked at Jersey Aluminum, Nitta Casting and Ford Motor Company.

Sammy G extended his love to the community by throwing the best backyard barbecues around. His barbecues were full of laughter and fun often including a toga party where the music was a constant flow of comfort and joy. Many times these barbecues included fireworks and sometimes there was a slight fire when Sam was involved.

His constant and deep love for his children extended to watching them participate in their various activities, such as football and cheerleading. He was an active dad volunteering to run concessions for many years for the Franklin Township Pop Warner football team.

Sam was a father figure to many, always willing to share his wisdom, his love and his home. To know Sam was to love Sam.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his mother Shirley Gourdine McCree, stepfather, John McCree, his loving children Rashaunda Jones (Chad), Tyshun Gourdine (Kimm), Dashaun Gourdine (Tierra), and Shalaunda Gourdine. Additionally, he will be missed dearly by his seven grandchildren, Destani, Kaelyn, Chad, Chandler, Jaiden, Sanai and Tristan his sister Debra Gamble and two brothers Byron (Poinsetta) and Larry Gourdine along with a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.

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