In pursuit of higher education and career opportunity, Sam left Cameroon in the mid-1990s for Italy; however, his stay was quite brief as opportunities for immigrants were few and hard to come by. He then relocated to Alexandria, Virginia, in the United States of America. While in Virginia, Sam kept exploring various regions of the US that presented better pathways for immigrants. He would later relocate one more time to Huntsville, Alabama, where he enrolled in university, got married, and started his family and professional life. But, in 2011, after more than a decade of such an accomplished career and family life in Huntsville, Sam made a final relocation decision to Dallas, Texas.

Dr. Fongang graduated from the University of Alabama, Huntsville, with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. He later earned a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree from Rocky Mountain University in Utah.

He was an accomplished nursing professional with more than two decades of extensive work experience in healthcare management and delivery services. He served in many renowned healthcare facilities across the United States, including the Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee,

the JPS, Methodist, Kindred and Veteran Administration Hospital Systems in the Dallas Fort Worth metroplex, and other facilities in Texas, New Mexico and Arizona.

In Huntsville, Alabama, and Dallas, Texas, the two main communities where Sam schooled, worked, and raised his wonderful family, the humorist and entertainer quickly became an iconic community leader. Despite his hectic professional and family life, he still found time to be a very active member and a critical stakeholder in numerous community, social, cultural, and alumni groups namely: the Manyu Elements Cultural and Development Association-Dallas (MECA-Dallas), La Famille Bamileke (LAFABA), Elite Bamileke (ELIBA), Mamfe Grammar School Ex-Students Association, Baptist High School Ex-Students Association, Dallas Pioneers Association, etc. Dr. Samuel Fongang was an unapologetic straight-talker, highly opinionated, but devoted husband, father, family and community servant. He will always be remembered as a distinguished member of our community whose contributions impacted many lives. He had a very soft heart for community and individual help efforts; nonetheless, he was widely known for being one who was fearless and never hesitant in displaying his thoughts and opinions over difficult conversations and issues. His legacy is one of service, empathy, and dedication to community-empowering initiatives.

He leaves behind his very dedicated and soft-spoken surviving spouse, Mrs. Manyi Fongang, three lovely children, : Almira, Samuel Jr., and Ivana Faith, family and friends to keep his exuberant memories alive.

MAY HIS SOUL REST IN ETERNAL GLORY, AMEN.