Chay Ki

Chay Ki, loving grandfather, brother, uncle, and husband, left this world on October 18, 2025, surrounded by his caring family and friends. Having battled cancer for 19 years, Chay showed constant courage and perseverance despite the debilitating disease. His love, support, and strength will be his lasting legacy.

Born in September 1947, Chay lived through turbulent times--he survived the Khmer Rouge, lived in a refugee camp, and immigrated to America with nothing but his family. In 1984, Chay arrived in Charlotte, NC, and worked three jobs to make ends meet. Eventually, he purchased a home, continued to pursue the American Dream, and made it a reality. He was a pillar in the Cambodian community in Charlotte; he and his friends built what we know today as the Cambodian Buddhist Society.

Chay was joyously married for 53 years to his dear, devoted bride, Heak Sin. Their love was deep and strong--when waiting for Heak to return home from work, Chay would patiently wait outside in the grass with an umbrella. They were blessed with 4 children: Sal Ki; Sophorn Clay Ki (married to Cindy, 8 children: Jason, Jonathan, Molekia, Saopon, Jacob, Issac, Elijah, and Joseph); Yann Ki-Ny (married to Ratha Ny, 2 children: Cameron and Hope); and Sophann Ki (married to Linda, 2 children: Bruce, Haylee). He is survived by his brothers Heng Ki (married to Melissa Seng, 5 children: Rachna, Rachenny, Vichra, Vichith, JB/JettBont. Stepchildren: Crissna, Joshua, Dementry); Kia Thach (married to Salum Thach, children Bo and wife Kanha 2 kids Nisa and Phakdey, Borinth, Vatey, Yoeun Nuy; wife passed away); Champy Tieng 7children: Sarena Nath, Monnie Rin, Sambath Yoeun, Sambo Yoeun, Savann Yoeun, Rithy Yoeun, Sokonthea Yoeun, and many grandchildren. 

Chay was fondly known as ThaTha and became everybody’s “adopted” grandpa. He was always there to give a helping hand, from drop off to pick up to sneaking ice cream and pizza in the middle of the night. His wish was to be the best ThaTha, and he was. As a caretaker to those that weren’t “officially” family--he would always offer: “I’m not going anywhere, just drop them off here, but I only have pizza or chicken nuggets, so that’s what they’ll eat.” ThaTha gave of himself, and these favors were priceless.

We want to ask for continued good thoughts, prayers, and positive energy to help Chay through the next journey. We would like to give immense thanks to our extended family for the 24-hour care--it truly took a village to attend to him, and we couldn’t have asked for a better team. We want to thank his Primary Care Physician, Dr. Allen Tauro, for over a decade of support, and Dr. Shehadah, his oncologist, for giving him (and us) the past 7 months. Thank you also to Via Health Hospice Care for their support of the entire family. His Funeral will be held on Friday October 24, 2025, at 12:30pm in Charlotte, NC. Please send any flowers directly to the funeral home. Donations can be made to any Hospice, Cancer research, and St. Jude Hospital.

To remember Chay, you can plant a tree or just continue doing good deeds in his honor.