Bernard's Family Funeral Care, LLC. | GA

Obituary For Nino Samuel

Mr. Nino Samuel, 67, of Covington, Georgia transitioned to rest Wednesday, June 17, 2020.

Nino Samuel was born in Bronx, New York, to the late Mrs. Sylvia Victoria Samuel and Mr. Rehelio Alphonso Samuel, on January 9, 1953.

Nino Samuel traveled frequently, due to his father being in the military for over 20 years. He eventually landed in Salina, Kansas, where he played on the basketball team at Salina High School. He quickly became a legend and an opponent to be reckoned with. Nino Samuel was a High School All-American and signed with the University of Kansas, but he eventually transferred to Marymount College in Salina, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Sociology. He was extremely proud of the fact that he graduated on time, despite his dyslexia. He coached at the high school, AAU, college, and professional levels before earning his personal training certificate in 1996. He worked for the State of Nevada for 10 years, working with mentally and physically disabled kids. He was inducted into the Kansas Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame in 1987 and in the inaugural Salina Central Athletic Hall of Fame, class in 2019.

Nino and Tressie were high school sweethearts. They got married in May of 1972. They were married for 48 years and had two beautiful children, Nino Alphonso Samuel, Jr., and Iris Irene Samuel. They moved to Georgia in 1992. Nino has spent the last 30 years as the owner and CEO of “Nino Samuel Basketball Training” in the metro Atlanta area. Through his laughter, trials, tribulations, and celebration, he always loved his family and made them a priority in his life. Nino Samuel was a loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, and friend. He will be remembered for being larger than life and a kid at heart, despite everything thrown his way. His ability to brighten up someone’s day will always be remembered as one of his greatest assets. He was charismatic and selfless; he had a gift for helping people. He loved basketball and his family, but what really made him flourish and thrive was working with people, especially kids.

He is preceded in death by his mother and father; sister, Sylvia Hoss; and brother, Joseph Samuel.

Nino is survived by his wife of 48 years, Tressie Samuel; son, Nino Samuel, Jr.; daughter, Iris Samuel; 13 grandchildren; sister, Renita Samuel; two brothers, Albert and Frederico Samuel; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Visitation will be held Monday, June 22, 2020 from 5pm-7pm at Gregory B. Levett and Sons Funeral Home and Crematory, 1999 Hwy 138 SE, Conyers, Georgia 30013

Graveside Service will be held 11am Tuesday, June 23, 2020, at Green Meadow Memorial Gardens, 699 American Legion Road NE, Conyers, Georgia 30012.

Bernard's Family Funeral Care promotes adherence to the CDC protocol.

Professional Services entrusted to Bernard's Family Funeral Care, LLC, The Madison Chapel is honored to have been chosen to serve the family of Mr. Nino Samuel.

Guest Book

From Philip Penn, Durham NC formerly a resident of Topeka Ks. (and Forbes AFB) Dear family, just learning of Nino's passing I offer my humble condolences. Freddy and Nino were my friends in Topeka at Forbes AFB and Nino and I spent a lot of time practicing at the house and playing pick up ball all over Topeka. We reconnected a few years ago. I am so sorry for your loss. Nino affected so many lives some of which he shared with me when we corresponded. May God know the loving man and genuine friend He has gained in Heaven. RIP Nino. There were none better. You have given all.

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Dear family, just learning of Nino's passing I offer my humble condolences. Freddy and Nino were my friends in Topeka at Forbes AFB and Nino and I spent a lot of time practicing at the house and playing pick up ball all over Topeka. We reconnected a few years ago. I am so sorry for your loss. Nino affected so many lives some of which he shared with me when we corresponded. May God know the loving man and genuine friend He has gained in Heaven. RIP Nino.

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I only knew the legendary name of Nino Samuels--but he made an indelible mark on our whole town. It is a loss for so many people. Thank God for the life of this man! Prayers for his whole family, Rev. Cynthia Jennison

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Dear Tressie and family, We want to send our thoughts and prayers for your loss. Playing with and knowing Nino in Salina was an honor. He touched so many and made such a difference. He will be missed. Love you, Greg and Pat Hill

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Nino trained my son in basketball when he was in middle school at age 12, now 20 years old. When I told him about the sad news of Nino passing, he was lost for words. All he could say was "WOW"! Nino was a good basketball trainer and person all around. He will be truly missed because we pass by his house everyday we leave our home. R.I.P

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With deep sympathy, we share you sorrow at this difficult time of such great loss. John 5:28, 29 Shirley Bailey

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Always in awe of his basketball skills, as well as just being a "nice guy". Salina High Central was so lucky to watch Nino to rise to fame and for 4 years he was one of us - a Mustang. Thanks for the memories and RIP classmate.

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The Roderick Family of Salina sends its deepest condolences at your too-early loss of Nino. Having just lost our brother and Nino's Salina teammate, Tom Roderick of Boulder, we know how hard it is to let go of a family member who is so kind, generous and inspirational. The year Nino spent living with our family, when the military relocated his parents from Salina, was often remembered over the years. As the oldest sister, I fondly recall coming home from KU to eat at with him at a crowded dinner table that resembled an athletic training table. Dad (Doc) would recall those amazing high school years and would muse about what Nino might be doing now. He was thrilled when Nino stopped by to see him while in Salina. Nino was a remarkable, outstanding man who left a large imprint especially with youth. May light perpetual shine upon him. The Rodericks Richard, Rees, and the families of those who have gone before usTom, Dave, Nancy and Jim (Doc)

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Nino was our "Big Man" on Campus to be sure but he was always so approachable, even to our little geek squad. I did not know about his businesses. Not surprised that he did so well. He was great! Will be missed!

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I have so many wonderful memories of competing against Nino and his band of Mustangs. We always lost. And Nino was a very humble and great guy. A true Champion. With all his talent, he was very much a team player. My Dad, Coach Jay Frazier, of McPherson, coached against a lot of great players over his Hall of Fame career. Dad passed in 2007. He always said, "Nino Samuel was the best he ever saw play in Kansas" Dr. Mike Frazier Zionsville, Indiana

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Dear Tressie and family, I'm so sorry about Nino's passing. I was saddened and hurt to lose a friend and great teammate. I'd like to tell you and your family what Nino meant to me. When I first met Nino, Christmas 1969, it was with a huge, sincere smile. No one can forget that smile, his laughter, his great manners and a genuine sincerity of an interest in you. He was of character that you would want in your own kids. For the next 3 years, as a teammate and person, you would want no one else to go into battle with. We won more than our fair share of games. Knowing Nino was with us losing never entered our mind. We entered every game, like life, well prepared and confident. Nino helped fulfill my dreams. State championship, seeing and doing things that most kids will never do. Yes, he was able to leap tall buildings in a single bound, faster than a speeding bullet and more powerful than a locomotive. He was our "Superman". His career has been well documented by history. But, he inspired me as a teammate, he made me a better player and most of all a better person. I always felt like it was a great honor and privilege to have Nino as a friend and teammate. Our thoughts and prayers, from Patty and I, will be with you and your family always. Love, Dave Mcclanathan

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Nino was a great basketball player but an even better person. Stan Smith

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I remember eating in the Salina High cafeteria with Nino, and he put his hand down so I could compare it to mine: A 'man's to a boy's. A few years ago, I spotted a photo from GA in the newspaper or on the internet just by chance showing a flyer for his Bball camp posted to a tree! I was able to call/text him at the number and he seemed very happy to relive his Salina High playing days with me. I'll treasure re-connecting, as well as our time at Salina High. He was a Gentle Giant & a kind-hearted big man. Go Nino! Go Mustangs. Be at Peace. Bill Ferguson, SCHS '70. MrBills4u@gmail.com

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Dear Tressie, I just want to say how sorry I am for the loss of Nino. He was such a beautiful person and accomplished so much in his lifetime. I was Ray and Sylvia's neighbor in Lawrence. I always heard much about your family from them. They were so proud of all of you. I am praying for your family and know you are all loved. R.W. and Betty Scribner

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I'm sorry for your loss; you are all such a beautiful family...hoping you find peace Rose Grandy

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

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