Samuel Ortiz Vazquez of Richmond Hill, GA was called home by his Heavenly Father on September 11, 2023 at the age of 68 after a courageous 16 month fight against cancer.  He spent his last days surrounded by his beloved family.

Samuel was born on June 1, 1955 in Guayama, Puerto Rico.  He devoted 20 years of service to the U.S. Army and retired as a Sergeant First Class.  His military honors include the Southwest Asia Service Medal with 3 Bronze Service Stars, Army Achievement Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, and the Kuwait Liberation Medal.  He then had a second retirement from the trucking industry in 2021.

He had a passion for music and taught himself to play the drums and guitar.  He passed on his artistic talents to his son Sam.  He always carried his sense of humor, even when faced with the most difficult battles, and enjoyed telling jokes with his grandson, Luke.

Samuel is preceded in death by his father, Ismael Ortiz; mother, Sixta Vazquez; brother, Ismael Ortiz Vazquez Jr.; and daughter in law, Mallory Ortiz.  Samuel is survived by his wife of 40 years, Kathy Ortiz; children Sam Ortiz, Kristen Ortiz Edge and Mark Edge, Stefanie Ortiz Hammock and John Hammock, and Jared and Rachel Hoffman; grandchildren, Luke and Liam Hammock, Quinn, Colin, Natalie, and Donald Hoffman; and grand-dogs, Nala, Kylo, Koda, and Ramona.  He is also survived by his siblings, Sonia Ortiz Vazquez, Fancisco Ortiz Vazquez, Luis Alberto Ortiz Vazquez, Lilliam Ortiz Vazquez, and Roberto Ortiz Vazquez as well as their respective spouses, children, and grandchildren.

"Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life." John 5:24

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 14th, 2023 at 2:30 pm at the Veterans Monument at J.F. Gregory Park, 521 Cedar Street, Richmond Hill, GA, 31324 with a celebration of life to follow at the Richmond Hill City Center.  Samuel's place of interment will be at the Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Glennville, GA.  You may call Kathy Ortiz at (912) 713-3790 for more information.  In lieu of flowers, you may continue Samuel's legacy of donations to St. Jude's Children's Hospital at https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html or contribute to the American Cancer Society at https://donate.cancer.org.