Kok Kuong Chang

Kok Kuong Chang, 81, of Winder, Georgia passed away on March 12, 2024, surrounded by family. He was the oldest of five brothers and six sisters born in Kandal, Cambodia to father Ngy You Chang and mother Heng You Heng, both of whom have preceded him in death. He lived much of his young life in Cambodia, where he married his beautiful wife of 52 years, Khim Siv Ung. Together, they raised four wonderful children while also escaping war in Cambodia. His bravery and sacrifice led them to a refugee camp in Thailand to escape genocide. Kok Kuong immigrated with his family to the United States in 1982 with the help of the sponsorship of Winder First Baptist Church.

Kuong worked in the kitchen at the Winder Center for Nursing and Healing, where he was introduced to a lifelong favorite snack: pears (or peaches) with cottage cheese. He also worked welding railcars at Thrall Car Manufacturing and was employed by Johns-Manville Fiberglass Insulation Manufacturing before retirement.

He was a man of many hobbies and talents. Those who have ever visited his home will know that he kept a massive garden that was always flourishing with herbs, fruits, and vegetables that fed his family and friends. Kuong loved to host, and could sometimes be heard entertaining with Chinese and Khmer karaoke. Some of his family’s fondest memories can be traced back to sharing a pot of tea after a meal. His ability to communicate with so many only amplified his reach and charm–he spoke seven languages and could swap between them easily. There was no problem he could not solve, and he always had ongoing projects around the house. He could be seen climbing up onto his roof even after his 81st birthday.

Kuong is survived by his wife (Khim), his four children (Ngy Chang Brown of Suwanee, Ly Chiev Chang, Huy Chang Harwell, and Ty Chiev Chang all of Winder), their spouses (Bob, Samantha, Clark, and Emily, respectively), his fourteen grandchildren, and great-nieces and great-nephew. With a legacy so grand, they hope to continue to spread the same joy, selflessness, and love that he provided to them.

The Family will receive friends Sunday, March 17, 2024 from 11:00 AM until 2:00 PM at Carter Funeral Home, in Winder, GA. A service will be held immediately after in the Chapel of Carter Funeral Home from 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM. The interment will be in Barrow Memorial Gardens following the service.