George Ray Sanchez

1957 - 2012

George Ray Sanchez, 55, of Livingston Road, passed away Thursday, Dec. 13, 2012, at University Medical Center in Lubbock. Memorial Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday (Dec. 29) at San Jose Catholic Church with Father Valentine Jankowski, OFM Conv., officiating. Vigil will be at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 28, at the West Funeral Home Chapel. There will be no visitation; cremation has taken place. Condolences may be expressed at westfuneralhomellc.com
George Ray Sanchez was born in Carlsbad Aug. 23, 1957, to Jose Q. and Baselisa (Rascon) Sanchez.
He graduated from Carlsbad High School in 1975, then attended ENMU in Roswell to pursue a degree in welding. In 1976, George began his career in welding, where he traveled chasing the pipelines around the country. He made a career as a pipeliner, at which he was a natural, but acquired many tricks and skills of the trade to become the professional that he was. He lived in various states, but his favorite state was Colorado because of the beautiful scenery and the rough terrain he encountered with his work. He loved the open road and traveling as far away as he needed or wanted to be. He lived his life to the fullest and had no regrets. He would always say, "This is one job that you get paid to see the country, from the East Coast to the West Coast, from the Northern Boarders to the Southern Boarders." These are the words of an original "HIGHWAY MAN".
When he was not working, he enjoyed spending time camping and fishing, but one of his most favorite things to do was spend time with his children and grandchildren, who he loved very much. George made a well-known name for himself and left an impression on many people. He will never be forgotten.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters: Jeraldine and Rolanda Sanchez; and brother, Steven Sanchez.
George is survived by his daughter, Francesca Ann Sanchez of Carlsbad; and son, George Ray Sanchez Jr. and wife, Valerie of Los Lunas, N.M. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Michael-Ray Munoz of Charleston, S.C., George and Harley Munoz of Carlsbad, Patrick Engstrom, and Monique and Angelina Sanchez of Los Lunas, N.M.; sisters: Wilma Ramirez and Patricia Patterson of Albuquerque, N.M., and Hortensia Calderon of Carlsbad; brothers: Joe Sanchez of Las Vegas, Nev., and Gary Sanchez of Albuquerque, N.M.; and son-in-law, Cody Tidwell.