Samuel G. Solis, Jr. of Spring, TX passed peacefully in his sleep surrounded by his family on September 2, 2016. He was 65 years old.

Samuel is survived by his devoted wife, Judith, of 38 years, his three daughters, two son-in-laws, and three grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two brothers and both his parents. He was a member of St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church.

Samuel was born on August 4,1951, in San Antonio, TX, to Samuel and Maria. He was the eldest of nine children. He attended Texas State University, formerly Southwest Texas University. He joined Alpha Phi Omega, a national service fraternity. Samuel graduated with a BS in Law Enforcement in 1975. After graduation he accepted a commission into the USMC Officer Candidate Course. His first duty station in the US was Camp Pendleton, CA as an Artillery Officer until 1979.

After completing his active duty, Samuel resettled in Houston, TX. He joined the 1st Battalion, 23rd Marine Corps Reserve, Alpha Co. He was accepted into the Houston Police Academy in 1983, and he served as a Peace Officer until 1990. He was ordered to Active Duty as an USMC Reservist, the Commander Officer of Charlie, 1st Battalion, 14th Marines, 4th Marine Division, Jackson, MI, for Desert Shield/Desert Storm, as a Major. His Battalion was deployed for a year. In 1994, Samuel obtained his Private Pilot's License for single engine airplanes. He transferred to the Houston Police Helicopter Division. He obtained his Commercial Pilot Certificate for rotorcraft/helicopter. He flew HPD helicopters for 17 years. Samuel retired after 30 years of service to the citizens of Houston, TX in 2013. He was an active member of the Quiet Birdman Heritage since 2006.

During his retirement, Samuel enjoyed spending time with his family, restoring/repairing his 1994 Toyota pickup truck, connecting through social media, and gardening.

A time of visitation will be held from 6 to 8 with a Vigil Service to begin at 7 pm Thursday, September 8, 2016 at the Klein Funeral Home, 16131 Champion Forest Dr., Spring, TX 77379.  Funeral Mass will be at 11 am on Friday at ST. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church.  Burial with Military Honors will be held at 2:15 pm at the Houston National Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Jimmy Mitchell, Clyde Walker, David Slade, Roosevelt Ashford, Richard A. Allen, Steven Gray, Rick Vandiver, and David Bateson.

Immediately following Mass, A reception will be held at the McGivney Hall before proceeding to the cemetery for burial.