Sammy David Ventura's Obituary
Sam David Ventura, Jr., 86, of Ennis, Texas, entered the presence of his Lord and Savior on Saturday, June 20, 2026.
Born in Dallas, Texas, on February 1, 1940, to Sam David Ventura, Sr. and Frances Ventura, Sam lived a life marked by faith, hospitality, and love for his family.
Sam graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School before attending the University of Houston and later Southern Methodist University. In 1960, he married his high school sweetheart, Joanne Penfold, beginning a lifelong marriage that would span more than 65 years.
As the owner of The Italian Village Restaurant, Sam became known for his entrepreneurial spirit and exceptional culinary talent. Together, he and Joanne opened Texas's first disco, Gringo's, on Oak Lawn Avenue in Dallas, where entertainers such as Trini Lopez and Jerry Fisher of Blood, Sweat & Tears performed. They later transformed it into The Club Village, an elegant supper club that welcomed entertainers, including Frank Sinatra, Jr. Guests such as Bob Hope, Burt Lancaster, Carol Channing, Rock Hudson, Greer Garson, and members of the Dallas Cowboys frequented the club.
A gifted chef, Sam created many of the restaurant's signature dishes, including his famous Seafood Spaghetti and spectacular tableside flaming specialties such as Cherries Jubilee, Bananas Foster, and Café Lamea, all of which remained customer favorites for years.
Although Sam achieved remarkable success by the world's standards, he was still searching for something deeper. In 1973, while filming a commercial at Channel 39, then owned by Pat Robertson, Sam experienced a life-changing encounter with Jesus Christ that forever transformed his life.
From that day forward, everything changed. Sam transformed The Club Village into The King’s Village, Dallas's first Christian lightclub, where guests enjoyed creative non-alcoholic drinks he invented, such as “The Promised Land” and “Noah's Ark.” The King’s Village featured nationally known Christian artists, including The Imperials, Andraé Crouch, and The 2nd Chapter of Acts, and hosted theatrical productions such as Godspell.
His passion for helping others extended far beyond the restaurant. Sam founded the House of Abel, a halfway house that helped former prisoners and individuals experiencing homelessness rebuild their lives. His compassion was so deep that one Christmas, he brought an entire group of House of Abel residents home to share Christmas dinner around the family table.
Sam also appeared several times on The 700 Club with Pat Robertson and on I Believe in Miracles with Kathryn Kuhlman and traveled through the nation giving his testimony. He served as Associate Pastor at Beverly Hills Baptist Church and Hillcrest Church, two of Dallas's megachurches during the 1970s and 1980s, where he touched the lives of thousands through teaching, counseling, and discipleship.
In his 60s, Sam and Joanne moved to Ennis, where they lovingly restored the historic Moore House, transforming it into a charming bed-and-breakfast that welcomed guests from near and far. Later, they became members of The Road Church, where Sam attended until the Lord called him home.
Outside of ministry, Sam could fix almost anything. Exceptionally mechanical, he found joy in restoring a 1963 Corvette that came completely disassembled in boxes, building and operating remote-controlled model airplanes and boats, developing photographs in his home darkroom, and creating an elaborate model train display that eventually filled much of the attic. It became a favorite destination for grandchildren and friends, who delighted in watching the miniature world come to life.
Sam is survived by his beloved wife, Joanne Ventura; his daughters, Karen Lane (Bill), Laura Mabry (Ken), and Julie Plagens (Andy); ten grandchildren who affectionately knew him as "Grr;” nine great-grandchildren, his sister, Cynthia Rigas (Denny); his nephew Christopher Powell; his nephew, Eric Williams, Jr. (Mary Schulte); his niece, Anne Helland (Rodney); niece Aleta Penfold; and his great-nieces and nephews, Kristen Nichols (Jonathan), Bethany Penfold, and Mitch Penfold.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Sam David Ventura, Sr., and Frances Ventura; his sister, Nena Williams; brother-in-law, Eric Williams, Sr.; his nephew, Paul Penfold; and his great-nephews, Justin Penfold and Jason Gaske.
Though his family grieves his absence, they rejoice in the assurance that Sam is now home with the Savior he served. His greatest accomplishment was not the restaurants he built, the businesses he owned, or the recognition he received, but the countless lives he touched by pointing people to Jesus Christ. His legacy of faith and servant-hearted love will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him.
"Well done, good and faithful servant." — Matthew 25:23
In lieu of flowers, please donate to The Road Church, Helping Hands of Ennis, or Foundation of Life (Ennis).
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