Samuel Dean Diaz

With shattered hearts and enduring love, we announce the tragic passing of Samuel Dean Díaz, affectionately known as Sammy, who left us far too soon on May 14, 2025, at the age of 21.

Born in Midland, Texas on February 16, 2004 and growing up in Rockport, Texas, Sammy made an instant and unforgettable impression on everyone he met. His spirit was bold, his smile contagious, and his heart fiercely loyal. Sammy graduated from Rockport-Fulton High School May 27, 2022.

Sammy worked at Rhino Linings in Midland, Texas, and was currently staying with his aunt Jessica and cousins in Midland. He was a proud member of several riding groups in both Midland and Rockport. If it had wheels and a motor, Sammy loved it. His passion extended to gaming, riding, and shooting sports, anything that gave him a sense of movement, freedom, and fun.

He was preceded in death by his aunt Mary Brinkman, his grandfather Larry Boylan, and his grandmothers Teresa Lewis and Margaret Diaz, and his cousin Codie Hobbs and great aunt Lezlie Printz from Midland.

He is deeply loved and survived by his mother Megan Lewis, his father Tomas Diaz, his eldest brother Tomas Romeo Diaz, and his younger brother Christian Daniel Diaz all from Rockport, Texas.

He also leaves behind extended family who loved him dearly. These include his grandmothers Teresa Contreras of Rockport, Texas, and Kimberli Detrick of Des Moines, Iowa; his grandfather Tomas O. Diaz of New Mexico; aunts Jessica Aguirre of Midland and Paulette Casey of Katy, Texas; uncles Michael Detrick of Midland, Jonathan Boylan of Flint, Michigan, Daniel Boylan of Rockport, Luke Petty of Des Moines, and Mackenzie Diaz of New Mexico, Anthony Diaz of Midland; and cousins Brandon, Lindsey, Emily, Blessing, Carson, Jasmine, Christopher, and Courtney, all of Texas, as well as Michael James and Maddie of Iowa.

Though some were part of his everyday life and others were separated by distance, all held a special place in his heart. He is also remembered by loyal friends and a wide community forever touched by his unapologetic authenticity and radiant smile—from Rockport and Midland, Texas, to Iowa and beyond.

Sammy had a way of making every day feel like a fresh start. Whether it was morning, night, or the middle of the night, he’d flash that unforgettable grin and say, “Good morning!” Because to Sammy, every moment was a new beginning and he enjoyed every minute of life. If he was having a bad day, you would never know it. He had a way of keeping himself and everyone around him uplifted and smiling. He was truly a gentle soul who never knew a stranger. He was always eager to help anyone with anything they needed.

A celebration of Sammy’s life will be held on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at

Charlie Marshall Funeral Home, located at 814 E. Main St., Rockport, Texas 78382.He will be missed beyond measure. But he will be remembered forever.