Sam Sameer Shadid

OKLAHOMACITY - Sam Sameer Shadid fell asleep in the Lord on April 11, 2022, joining his beloved wife, Nadia. He was born on February 26, 1932, to Alexandra and Hafeeth Shadid in Oklahoma City, and recently celebrated his 90th birthday with all of his family by his side.

Sam attended Classen High School, where he enjoyed playing clarinet in the Concert Band. He earned his Eagle Scout, which inspired his son, David, and five of his grandsons to obtain their Eagle Scout rank as well. Sam graduated from Oklahoma City University in 1954, earning his bachelor’s degree in business. While in college, he was a member of the OCU band and Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity.

During college, Sammet the love of his life, Nadia Samara. Sam and Nadia were married on October 3, 1954, and enjoyed 67 wonderful years together. Shortly after marriage, they were stationed at Fort Lee, Virginia, where Sam attended quartermasters school in the United States Army. He was then assigned to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, where he served as a Supply Sergeant. While stationed in Pittsburg, Sam and Nadia’s first child, Saundra, was born.

Upon returning to Oklahoma City, Sam worked alongside his father and brother at Shadid Grocery. In 1960, Sam and Nadia purchased Bi-Rite Market at 2248 NW 1st Terrace in Oklahoma City. Together, they operated Bi-Rite Market for over 30 years. During this time, they added three more children, Karla, Paul, and David, to their growing family. Sam’s entire family worked at Bi-Rite Market, each having their own respective role in the store.

While at Bi-Rite, Sam and Nadia sponsored their annual Christmas drawing, the Bi-Rite Market softball team, and created lunches that were well known to the surrounding patrons—including Sam’s last creation, the “Big-Bi,” a three layer, specialty sandwich.

In 1971, Sam and Nadia built their forever home in Quail Creek. They loved their home. This was his family’s gathering place. From New Years Day, to Easter, the Fourth of July, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas—Sam and Nadia hosted all of the holidays for their family. The house was always filled with laughter and joy from his four children and their spouses, 10 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren.

After selling Bi-Rite Market, Sam worked with Standard Refrigeration as a consultant. He designed many convenience stores and restaurants across Oklahoma. This allowed Sam to expand and enjoy his natural talents as a draftsman.

Next to his wife and family, the love of his Lord and St. Elijah Antiochian Orthodox Church was Sam’s most treasured legacy. Sam’s dedication to his faith was bestowed upon him from a young age. His grandfather was the first priest of St. Elijah, and his father, a founding elder of the church. In 1936, at age four, Sam appeared in a photograph published in the Daily Oklahoman with the newly purchased church bell that would be proudly hung and used for the next 85 years. That same bell now rests in a courtyard at St. Elijah, still used to mark special occasions. Sam served on the church board and chaired several special events. From an altar boy, to an elder, and, ultimately, with his portrayal as the voice of the gates of heaven at Easter—Sam’s commitment to the church was never ending.

Sam’s photography portfolio spanned decades through thousands of pictures, documenting his family’s accomplishments to the utmost detail. In the mid 1990s, he archived the entire construction of St. Elijah’s new home at 150th and N. May Avenue. He went every day for two years, culminating in 20 volumes of photographs.

Sam’s military service, while short lived, shaped an extraordinary sense of pride and patriotism in him. He carried the phrase “at ease, soldier!” to his last days. He had impeccable flag etiquette that was always followed. He illuminated the flag at dusk, and when taken down, folded it properly. These traits were passed on to his family.

Sam had a green thumb that gardeners envied. His yard was the jewel of the neighborhood. Sam grew multiple vegetables, along with fruit and nut trees. An annual gift to his grandchildren was allowing one of them to pick a special crop for the season, including pumpkins, watermelon, corn, and cotton. His fig tree and grapevine cuttings were shared throughout Oklahoma City. He loved Nadia’s roses and a statue of the Virgin Mary from his mother. He built a brick paved memory lane, marking important dates and home addresses to him and Nadia.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Nadia; his mother and father, Alexandra and Hafeeth Shadid; his mother and father-in-law, Adeeba and Nabeeh Samara; his brother, A. Phil Shadid; his sisters and brothers-in-law, Amy and Ed Massad, Sameera and Dr. Ray Cohlmia, and Yevonne and Harry Homsey; and brothers-in-law, Dr. Sam Badeen, and Gerald Hamra.

Sam is survived by his children, Saundra and James Farha, Karla and George Cohlmia, Dr. Paul and Jennifer Shadid, and Dr. David and Lydia Shadid, all of Oklahoma City.

Additionally, he is survived by his grandchildren, Jennifer and Dr. Trey Homsey, Christopher and Hilaree Farha, Dr. Adam and Alexandra Cohlmia, Andrew Farha and Belén Mancilla, Jessica and Bryan Beavers, Kasey Cohlmia, Dr. Paul, Jr. and Erika Shadid, Peter and Lauren Shadid, Samuel Shadid, and Cate Shadid; his great-grandchildren, Sammy, Sophie, Charlie, Ainsley, Sarah, Demi, Colt, Ellis, Paul III ( Trip), and Livie.

He is further survived by his sister-in-law, Katherine Shadid; Nadia’s siblings, Lillian Badeen, Dianna and William Kakish, Carolyn Hamra, Dr. E.N. Scott and Leslie Samara, Andrea and Dr. Johnny Jones, Jr.; and many loving nieces and nephews.

We would like to thank Dad’s doctors, Dr. E.N. Scott Samara, Dr. Rajesh Kumar, and Dr. Naji Karam. We also thank our caregivers, Sherrie Day and Ann Keaton. We especially thank our long-time caregiver, Marshal Young, who went above and beyond the call of caregiving, taking Dad under her wing and encouraging him every single day.

All services will be held at St. Elijah Church. The visitation and viewing will be Thursday, April 14, 2022, from 3:30-6:30 PM. The funeral service will be on Friday, April 15, 2022, at 10:30 AM, followed by interment at Fairlawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Elijah “Flowers that do not Wither” fund.

May his memory be eternal.

Finally, you are “at ease, Soldier.”