Phillips Funeral Service, Inc. | High Point, NC

Obituary For The Honorable Sammie Chess, Jr.

Sammie Chess, Jr. is son of the late Sammie Chess, Sr. and the late Susanna Hagood Chess. On March 28, 1934, he was born in the Bull Pond community of Allendale County, South Carolina. He departed this life, peacefully, in the early morning of July 23, 2022.

Until age 9, Chess and his family lived on the farm where he was born, and at age 12, Sammie Sr. migrated the family to Harlem, New York. It would be later in his adolescence that Chess and his family moved to High Point, North Carolina, where the stewardship and educator’s love of Mr. Samuel E. Burford would set the course for Chess’ life of service to mankind. These were Chess’ formative years at his dear William Penn High School, and at a time in our history where public schools were segregated; yet, educators such as Mr. Burford and others saw the promise in their young students in these ‘separate by unequal’ schools. Chess often spoke of how Mr. Burford saved his life.

Mr. Burford and educators of the segregated William Penn High School saw to it that Chess enrolled in North Carolina College (now North Carolina Central University). There, he would excel and enter The College’s School of Law his junior year, completing both undergraduate and law school in 6 years. After passing the North Carolina Bar exam, Chess served two years in the United States Army, including a tour of duty in Korea.

Upon completing his service in the Army, in 1960, Chess hung his shingle to practice law in the city of High Point. He immediately engaged in the Civil Rights Movement taking on cases in High Point and across the state. Chess’ focus was ending discrimination and segregation. He fought tirelessly. For the next decade, he would argue (and win) cases that would lead to desegregation of the High Point Public Schools system, public hospitals, theatres, restaurants and other institutions and facilities intended “for the People.”

Chess was often called upon by the NAACP Legal Defense Fund to help “fight the good fight” and join legal teams who would argue landmark cases before the Supreme Court of the United States. One such case was Griggs v. Duke Power, a case in which the U.S. Supreme Court, in a unanimous decision on March 8, 1971, established the legal precedent for so-called “disparate-impact” lawsuits involving instances of racial discrimination.

In 1971, Chess became the first Black Superior Court judge in the state of North Carolina. Governor Robert W. Scott appointed Chess as a special Superior Court judge, empowering him with the ability to hold court state-wide, thus ensuring justice in civil and criminal trials and hearings. In this capacity, Chess changed many practices commonly accepted during this time, such as judges and prosecuting officials referring to Black witnesses by their first name, while referring to White persons as Mr. or Mrs. Judge Chess made it clear that there would be no unequal treatment in his court. Judge Chess afforded all who appeared before him an equal, fair and impartial trial regardless of color or station in life. Judge Chess returned to his law practice in 1975 where he served faithfully until 1991, when he was appointed Administrative Law Judge in the North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts. He retired in 2007, thus concluding nearly a 50-year career serving the people of North Carolina and the United States.

During the next 15 years, Chess continued to be of service. He found purpose in the High Point Bar Association, his church and with his beloved brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. He always found time to encourage young lawyers to be the best - to always be prepared, to persevere and pursue excellence.

The recognition of Judge Chess’ service to others is far-reaching. Respected by his colleagues and community was overwhelmingly humbling to Chess. His purpose and conviction led him to believe he was doing God’s work. The acceptance he sought was from his Creator; and to one day hear the words, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant” was the only acknowledgment for which Chess lived his life. Some of Judge Chess’ honors include:

Member – North Carolina State Board of Higher Education; governor appointee

Liberty Bell - awarded by the North Carolina Bar Association; recognizing individuals exemplifying lifelong service to the law in North Carolina.

Rosskopf Award for Judicial Professionalism and Ethics - awarded by the National Association of Administrative Law Judges; its highest honor for excellence in professionalism and ethics

Hall of Fame inductee - National Bar Association

Meritorious Service – awarded by North Carolina Association of Human Rights Workers

Citizen of the Year – awarded by Kappa Lambda Chapter, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.; awarded for outstanding services rendered to the community

Legal Legend of Color – awarded by the North Carolina Bar Association

Member, Board of Directors - the National Association of Administrative Law Judiciary (NAALJ)

Chess is survived by his wife, Sandra Chavis Chess; two daughters, Eva Chess and Janet Chess; stepson, Cory Watson (Sherry); step granddaughters, Lauren Watson, Chloe Powell (Carl), and Cameron Watson; step great-granddaughter, Corinne Powell; and a host of loving extended family, relatives, and friends.

Funeral service will be held Saturday, July 30, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Stephen Metropolitan A.M.E. Zion Church, 1012 Leonard Avenue, High Point, NC. The Honorable Sammie Chess, Jr., may be viewed on Friday, July 29, 2022 from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Phillips Funeral Service Chapel. Livestreaming link: https://vimeo.com/734573110

Final arrangements are entrusted to Phillips Funeral Service, Inc.

Guest Book

I met Judge Chess through his service as an ALJ at OAH, which he joined only a few years after its creation in 1985. The institution was still trying to define its role and its reputation. He helped set the tone as to the tradition of fairness and openness that was so vital to the OAH's success. His 22 years of service at OAH were central to the high regard that is given to OAH and its ALJs. He was a gentleman and a scholar, and his contribution was extremely important.

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Phyllis Bridges It was an honor to have met with the Honorable Judge Chess. Another warrior gone on to rest.

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Pastor Randy and Linda Pearman Lake Brandt Baptist Church Greensboro NC.

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Penny, Michael and I send you heartfelt condolences as you morn the lost of your husband, Sammie. We will kept you and your family lifted in prayer during this most difficult time💞❤️ Michael and Judy Murray Upper Marlboro, MD

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To Penney and family: My saddened heart is reaching out to you in deepest sympathy and prayer. May your precious memories of "Sam" be a source of comfort and peace, and remember, through it all, I am here. With much love, Mary Ann Brown

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Penny I will truly miss my dear friend, who has been there for me throughout the years. Words of encouragement. It has been an honor to know hom and his mom, which she was the love of his life.

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Offering up prayers of peace, love, comfort and hope to the family, friends and acquaintances of the Honorable Sammie Chess. May he Rest In Peace. MJ

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Our family has lost a giant of a man. His presence will certainly be missed among us. I'm sending my heartfelt sympathy to our family and friends, especially his wife and children. May he rest in heavenly peace.🙏🏾 Curtis D. Fullington, Cousin Miami Gardens, FL

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"Manly deeds, scholarship, and love for all Mankind, are the aims of our dear Fraternity." Honorable Brother Sammie Chess, Jr. truly exemplified all attributes of a True Alpha Man. His achievements are etched in the history of our beloved hometown of High Point, NC. They made way for a better life for all people of color. To Sandra, Eva, Janet and the entire family, I express my sincerest condolences and sympathy for the loss of such a great man. May the work he's done for so many people create an Oasis of comfort and good thoughts in your hearts and minds, when symptoms of grief and feelings of melancoly try to creep into your spirits....Fraternally and in Truth and Service, Brother John L. Palmer

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Penny and family: My heart is saddened over your loss of Sam. I have been praying since I learned of his passing, and will continue to pray for Gods peace and His strength to face the upcoming days. May the memories of him remain fully alive in your heart to give you added strength during this time. Terri Newton

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Janet, my prayers go out to you and your family.

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IBM Chicago BBRG sends our heartfelt condolences to Janet Chess & Family. Praying for strength, comfort and peace during this difficult time. With caring thoughts, Latasha, LaToya, Patrick, Valinda

- Latasha Smith

My deepest sympathy for the loss of The Honorable Sammie Chess Jr. I haven't seen him since I was young. I am his cousin on his father's side. Wish I could make the funeral. I am praying for his wife and family. Tawana Walker- my mother Marie Chess(Fullington), was his father's Sister.

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My condolences to his family. He was my grandmother nephew. His dad was my grandma brother. Irene Chess-Dopson. My condolences to his family from the Dopson family in Miami, Florida

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My condolences to his family. I never got to meet him but he was my grandmother's nephew. His dad was my grandma Irene Chess-Dopson brother. Condolences to his family. From the Dopson's in Miami, Florida

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Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. May my cousin Sammie Chess Jr. R.I.P. Mary Clark From your aunt Marie Chess Fullington(deceased) and Family Miami, Florida

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"One good friend ", everyone needs one good friend. I pray that he's waiting at heaven's gate to welcome you in. Rest in peace. Irvin L Saunders

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Penny and family, My sincere condolences to each of you and may you find peace in knowing that your loved one lived a great life of honor and dedication to mankind. Affirming peace, comfort and understanding during this difficult time. Joy cometh in the morning. A Vincent Allen, District of Columbia

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To Penny and Family Sam, as our family has always known him, became part of our lives in the Mingo family during the summer of 1947 when he and his mother moved to High Point from New York. They lived on Bynum and we lived on Reed Street. One day his mother came to our house and asked my mother could Sam come over and play with her children while she was at work. From that moment on a lifelong friendship which lasted for 75 years with our family was formed. It brought about many good times shared together and a multitude of good memories that will last forever. In September of 1947, my first day of school in the first grade, Sam and my brother John took me. It was so exciting to have them escort me. Sam did well in his life. He accomplished many thing yet he was unique in the fact that he continued to live with and not above others. May you "RIP" Sam. You deserve it. Tynie Mingo-Clemons

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The Honorable Sammie Chess, Jr. It was with great sadness and a heavy heart that I learned of the passing of one of High Point's great leaders and role model for Black Pointers. To the Chess family I offer my condolences. I looked up to Judge Chess because of his intellect and his compassion for Black people struggling in a sea of dispair and racism. When Attorney Chess returned to High Point to practice law, a tall Black man who projected an image of which all people could be proud He was a caring man who understood the obstacles encountered in a segregated environment. He was always willing to reach back to help those struggling behind him. I know this because I was the recipient of his assistance on more than one occasion. Attorney Chess always dressed immaculately and when walked into court with a stride of confidence, speaking with knowledge and strength, everyone listened. Judge Chess labored in the justice field for many years and rose to Superior Court Judge. May I end my memories of Judge Chess by paraphrasing lines from a poem that I wrote many years ago. Death came to Sammie Saturday, the best friend we ever had. Leaving us all alone, Heart wrenched and sad. We feel there is nothing to live for, but we know that life goes on. Let us dry our eyes friends, this is no time to mourn. Be of good cheer friends, Sammie isn't gone, he's just resting, right next to Jesus's throne In time he will awaken, Revitalized and new. Until then take comfort in knowing, that God will take care of you. We are all touched by death, that's one of life's mysteries. Like Christ we will arise to ask, death, where is your victory. Rest in peace Judge Charles McNeil

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He was a great man and great lawyer! Blessed to have known him . Always positive!

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My deepest condolences to Mrs. Chess , children Judge Chess' extended family. Hon. William A. ("Drew") Marsh (Ret'd). - Durham County.

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I had the pleasure of meeting Judge Chess during my years with the Guilford County Attorney's Office. I swapped stories with him on many occasions at the Courthouse and enjoyed many a laugh regarding the news of the day and our past transgressions. He was a genuine and sincere man and a great representative of our profession. He will be missed.

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My condolences and deepest sympathy to the family. P.Sheryl

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To Penny and family: Sending sincere condolences for the loss of your loved one. Praying that God will grant you peace and comfort during this very difficult time and the days ahead. Jim and Karen (Gray) Atkinson

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My sincere condolences to the Chess Family. May God grant you peace and comfort. Rosalyn Gilmer-Flanagan

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My deepest condolences to my dear friend, Penny, and the entire Chess Family. I pray that you find peace and comfort in knowing that friends care. Lesterine Sturdivant, Rocky Mount, NC

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To Penney and Family: Attorney Sammie Chess, Jr. and I were members of St. Stephens AME Zion Church in High Point, NC. Whenever I came to visit, we were happy to see each other and shared conversations. He was always cordial. Judge Chess was counsellor at law for my parents, John and Ruth Ferguson, and my counsellor as well. May he Rest In Peace. Much love and condolence, Albert T. Porter, Jr. & Jeannette Ferguson Porter W-S,NC

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Just a wonderful soul. Judge Chess had a great love for his family here in Allendale, South Carolina. He never let his position as judge supersede his feelings for humanity. We will miss his visits and hearing his voice when he called. He was a giant of a man, one that not only our family could be proud of, but the whole world. May God grant his wife and daughters the strength to endure during these trying times. We loved him and we love you as well. Leon Harden and Family

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Penny So very sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved Husband. My prayers are with you as you face the difficult days ahead. Please call if I may be of assistance in any way. Brenda B and Family 🙏🙏

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To The Family of The Honorable Sammie Chess, Jr.: The Honorable Sammie Chess, Jr. was indeed an inspiration in my life. I remember as a teenager how Judge Chess, who was then Attorney Chess represented African-American students when we faced abusive behavior from a HP City bus driver on the way to school shortly after full integration of our school system. I shall always remember when The Honorable Sammie Chess, Jr. visited and shared with my Business Law class while I was a teacher at HP Central High School. Mr. Chess was most complimentary and encouraging as he mentored the students and me. I thank God for the lifelong contributions of this Great Man who served with Integrity and Fortitude. He led and inspired many to seek and enjoy an increased lifestyle. Look up and trust God for strength, Family!!!! May God continue to Bless and Keep each of you! Rev. Bobby W. Green, Jr. and Dr. Gwendolyn Johnson-Green

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The Honorable Sammie Chess Jr. my condolences to the family. I will forever cherish his mentorship. It was embedded as a cornerstones of my life. For that, I am grateful to have known him at an early age. May he rest in eternal peace.

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My first husband always spoke highly and fondly about Sammy Chess he trusted and respected the decisions he was given when asked for his representation.Im very sorry for your loss and High Points great loss.

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Sandra I am so sorry for your loss. We go back a long time ago and have memories that are unforgettable. I was happy to talk with Judge Chess a few days ago when he called me. He always asked about my family and I always asked about his. I will pray for you as you go through your loss. Nancy Cuthrell

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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.

- Phillips Funeral Service, Inc. | High Point, NC