Rev. Samuel Gutierrez's Obituary
Samuel Gutierrez was born on June 11, 1955 in San Diego, California, the third of five children to Moses and Eleanor Gutierrez. The Gutierrez family settled in Chula Vista, California in 1957. There he attended school where he played various sports, especially baseball, and was sought out by college and professional baseball scouts. He graduated from Chula Vista High in 1973 having served as Senior Class President. He was made a lifetime member of the CVHS ASB. He had a vibrant, likeable personality that many gravitated toward throughout his childhood and young adulthood. His family faithfully participated and congregated at Otay Apostolic Church under Pastor Pedro Hermosillo and when he reached the age of nine, they then joined National City Apostolic Church under the leadership of Pastor J. Frank Morales, where he was ordained as a young minister at eighteen. At this time, he chose to pursue his ministry instead of accepting a baseball scholarship and attending a four-year university. During this time, he distinguished himself as a choir director, leading his local church choir and then went on to direct the National Messengers of Peace Convention Choir and the Apostolic Assembly National Convention Choir. After attending Southwestern College for two years, Sam felt the call to study at Texas Bible College (TBC) where he remained for two years. It was here at TBC that Sam‘s passion and vision for global missions began.He met Dolly Martin in 1978. On February 14, 1981, they were married in San Bernardino, CA. They then moved to San Diego where he worked in the non-foods department for 20 years at Big Bear Market, Max Foods, and Food 4 Less grocery stores. Sam and Dolly started a family in 1986 when their first daughter, Cassondra Benay was born. Lauren Marie arrived in 1989. Sam was a faithful and devoted husband as well as a loving, involved and fully engaged father. On breaks from work, he loved to take his three girls to Yosemite, Big Bear, Disneyland, and to the beach. He was a sports and American History buff who loved to read up on these subjects. He was funny, engaging and loved to be the jovial part of any group. He spread so much love and cheer everywhere he went. He loved his natural family as well as his church family. Before and especially after the death of his father, Moses, in 2005, Sam was considered a tower of the Gutierrez’ and Martin’s immediate and extended families. He was the person who would console, advise, and shepherd us gracefully and compassionately through life’s most difficult and challenging times. All the while, he personified unconditional love.In 1991, Sam and his family joined Revival Tabernacle in San Diego. In 2002, he joined the staff of the Anchor Church (formerly, “Revival Tabernacle”) and worked full-time under the leadership of Pastor James and Sister Joni Larson. He worked tirelessly and devotedly as Grounds Keeper, Associate Minister, Youth Pastor, Young Marrieds Leader (along with his wonderful wife, Dolly) and, finally, as Senior Associate Pastor. Throughout the past five years he also taught at Tabernacle Christian Academy and at the Christian Service Training Institute. He continued his theological studies and recently graduated as Valedictorian from C.S.T.I. in 2013.Sam (“Bro. G,” as many affectionately called him) was a loving and devoted servant of the Kingdom of God. He extended himself unselfishly to others in need, even as he struggled with his own health. As a Youth Pastor for over 10 years he loved to mentor, challenge and inspire the many youth that surrounded him. He was often invited to participate and speak at youth camps, junior camps, retreats and services. His Bible teachings were thought-provoking and inspiring (he especially loved teaching home Bible studies) and his sermons passionate and memorable. He was invited to speak and travelled to The Philippines, Myanmar, Peru and Thailand. He was embraced by all the saints that he visited and kept in close contact with them. He started a recycling program to raise funds for the Tupelo Children’s Mansion and the Mercy Home Orphanage in Myanmar.Sam passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving wife, Dolly and his beautiful girls, Cassie and Lauren. He is also survived by his siblings Olga, Moses, Irma and Trudee. He will be missed by his nephews, nieces, extended family, church family, and a host of friends who loved him. Sam has been regarded by many as one of the finest gentlemen that they have ever known. We, who knew and loved him, wholeheartedly agree.
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