Javier Samuel "Sam" Garay

Javier Samuel Garay, affectionately known as Sam, was born on March 17, 2002, in Katy, Texas. A devoted son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, and friend, Sam’s passing will leave a deep void in the hearts and lives of those who loved him.

Sam was a proud, devoted, and loyal construction worker for Barnett Construction of Bellville. He was relatively new to the crew, so Mike, Joseph, Steed, and Payton had all taken him under their wing. Shortly after, one of his best friends, Chris, joined the crew as well. Eventually, Sam would have been considered a master of his craft. Every day, Sam would return from work and sit with his grandparents, Tommy and Debbie, his uncle John, and the doggies to discuss the happenings and shenanigans of work life on that particular day.

Sam was a graduate of Bellville High School, class of 2020, where he walked through the Pasture of Pain with his classmates, observing social distancing as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a different, yet beautiful graduation ceremony.

Sam embarked on his educational journey, starting in Pre-K at Faith Academy, where he would remain until the 3rd grade. This would establish his firm foundation in Christ and lay the groundwork for solid academic achievement. Sam’s Pre-K teacher, Mrs. Tammy Shuck, ensured that Sam was loved, educated, and taken care of daily, especially during times of sadness or separation anxiety from his mother.

He transitioned to public school as a fourth grader to O’Bryant Intermediate, where his great Aunt Annette Vincik taught. While being sad and somewhat anxious about this change, his mother knew he would be in good hands, and that gave her an abundance of comfort and peace.

Many teachers along the way shaped Sam into the man he would become. Sam and his mother would have countless conversations regarding these ladies he held dear to his heart. He knew beyond a shadow of a doubt they loved and understood him on a truly authentic level. The late Mrs. Lisa Galle-Wise, Mrs. Tonya McGonagill, Ms. Susan Balke, Mrs. Kristy Mannery, and Mrs. Aida Newton (Mama Newt) connected with Sam on a level that extended far beyond the classroom.

A person renowned for his vibrant and unique personality, Sam exhibited an innate ability to make everyone with whom he was surrounded laugh and feel welcomed and cherished. If he sensed that someone was alone, feeling left out, or experiencing anxiety, he made it his business to make sure that person felt comfortable. He was always a giver, never a taker.

Sam especially enjoyed cooking for his family, friends, and himself, and took great delight in conversing about a variety of foods and creating dishes with his brother-in-law Carl, who had affectionately nick-named him “Beagle.” His grandmother, “Maw” let him take over the kitchen; she truly understood his passion for food and cooking and delighted in watching and tasting his meals.

Sam’s love for life extended far beyond the kitchen. Caring for his grandparents, Tommy and Debbie Stewart, was at the forefront of his life, another expression of his nurturing and compassionate spirit. His love, honor, respect, loyalty, and dedication for them cannot be expressed with words. Going to breakfasts and lunches with them was a favorite pastime.

Sam had a passion for adventure, yearning to be happy and free. He was often found going on “machine rides” with his loyal and beloved dog Willie, relishing in the beauty of nature and the thrill of the ride. Family and friends alike shared in these adventures.

 In Sam’s last years, he and his cousin Dustin Innes had become inseparable and spent countless hours on games and in the countryside filming episodes for Big Yee Productions. Attending comedy shows by MDE with Dustin and God Aunt Christine Stewart in Austin brought Sam tremendous joy. Dustin’s grandmother, Sally, always made Sam feel welcome in her home on these special excursions. Sam would be thrilled to know that Alex Schultz, the director, created a specific online post for Sam and commented on another post honoring his memory.

Sam contributed to the farm life in many ways, especially in helping to round up and vaccinate cattle with his grandparents, Uncle Mike and Aunt Jackie, Uncle John, and cousins Chris Jolly, Brian, Tara, and Ava Stewart, all of whom loved the farm life in various ways. Sam eventually would have had the honor of welcoming and spending quality country time with cousins Debbie, Brett, Ariel, Gavin, Addie, Ben, and Abby Jolly, likely participating in family activities such as get-togethers, hunting, and an abundance of porch talks. Sam would have taken part in all of it with anyone and everyone.

A great part of Sam’s youth was spent fishing and hanging out at Matagorda, Texas, the getaway spot for the Vincik family—Uncle Ernie and Aunt Annette and cousins, Aaron, Henri, Jacob, Jess, Nate, and Noah. The Stewart family spent many days and nights enjoying the beach and river life. Eating at River Bend Restaurant was always a must for Sam on each trip. He and his grandparents had spoken recently about going there to visit again soon. Activities at Matagorda played such an integral part in Sam’s upbringing. Memories created there were near and dear to Sam’s heart.

A visitation honoring the life of Javier Samuel Garay will be held on Monday, August 4, 2025, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM at Schmidt Funeral Home in Bellville, Texas. A private service and interment at Millheim Cemetery will be held the following day.

Among those who mourn the loss of Sam are his mother, Brandi Stewart, his sister, Normandy King, his maternal grandparents, Tommy and Debbie Stewart, his uncle John Stewart, and a whole host of relatives and friends. Sam took immense joy in being a loving uncle to his nephews, Liam and Hudson Williams. Paternal grandparents of Sam in mourning include Jose Garay and Oliva Garcia, along with his uncles and aunts, Guadalupe, Pedro, Jesus, Alejandro, Samuel,  Maria, Carolina, Belen, Patricia, Beatriz, and Cristina Garay.

Sam was preceded in death by his father, Francisco Javier Garay, great-great uncle, Marvin Swearingen, great grandparents, Connie and Myrtle Stewart, Dalby and Beryl Mikeska, Great Uncle and Aunt Tony and Wanda “Lou” Lefner, Aunt Cristina Garay, God-cousin Jonah Innes, and cousin Darcy Jolly.