Hoong Kai Chow, 62
FELTON, Del. - Hoong Kai Chow best known as "Chow" passed away unexpectedly Sunday, September 12, 2021, at Milford Hospital with his loved ones at his bedside.
He was born May 12, 1959, in Malaysia to Tai Poh Thoe and the late Peng Ham Chow. He adventured to America on his own to fulfill his dreams and became a first-generation U.S. citizen. Chow graduated with Magna Cum Laude honors from the University of Arkansas with an MBA. He loved cheering on his Razorbacks every football season and chanting "Woo Pig Sooie!"
For 30+ years, Chow worked with Walmart at several locations, most recently at Camden (store #5039). He was loved tremendously by his Walmart-family, far and wide. After retiring from Walmart, he worked over two years as a successful realtor with Keller Williams Realty Central Delaware and truly enjoyed every moment of it. Chow was an active member of the community and several charitable organizations including but not limited to: United Church, Boys and Girls Club, Special Olympics and Habitat for Humanity.
Chow prioritized his family before all else and was the happiest when spending quality time with them, especially his beloved-daughters, Lauren and Abby. Also, he loved spending time in Louisiana with the in-laws and eating an abundance of his father-in-law's cajun cooking. Among Chow's many hobbies and interests, his favorite things to do included gardening, movies, music, reading, grilling, participating in 5k's, watching football, traveling, and making meaningful friendships, which he did so effortlessly and often. He was a lover of nature and animals and adored his moments at home with his pets Pickle (dog) and Minu (cat) whom never left his side. His grand-dog, Bruno, also held a very special place in his heart.
He is survived by his former wife, Shannon and their daughters, Lauren Ariel Chow (husband, Ely Barrett) of Wilmington, Del. and Abby Marie Chow of Baltimore, Md.; siblings, Hoong Kit Chow and Choi In Chow of Malaysia; in-laws, B.J. and Glenda Soileau of Louisiana; brothers-in-law, David Soileau of North Carolina & Shawn Soileau of Mississippi; numerous nieces and nephews; many co-workers and friends turned family; and hundreds of people throughout the community who knew, cherished and loved him.
A friend once perfectly described Chow as "… a man with a servant heart, an encourager, strong leader and one of the most generous people you would ever meet…" He was a beacon of light whose positivity was infectious and the world is a bit dimmer without him here with us. Forever loved and missed, Chow's legacy will continue to shine through his family and all of the lives that he has touched.
Funeral Services will be held Saturday, September 18, 2021, at Torbert Funeral Chapel South, 1145 E. Lebanon Road (Rt. 10), Dover, Del. The viewing will begin at 12 p.m. with the ceremony to follow at 2 p.m. The family welcomes that anyone who knew and loved Chow, to attend his celebration of life.
Family is requiring masks and social distancing for the services.
Services will be live-streamed on Torbert Funeral Chapel's website https://www.torbertfuneral.com
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to The Boys and Girls Club of Delaware.
Letters of condolence may be sent, and guestbook signed at www.torbertfuneral.com