Rey Cantu

Surrounded by his loving family, Reynaldo Cantu, Jr., 61, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 12, 2023, after a valiant battle with cancer. Rey had an enthusiasm for life, worked hard, played hard, and was a bright light to all those around him. He had this amazing gift of being welcoming and bringing so many together. Rey never met a stranger.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Reynaldo Cantu, Sr. and Erlinda Cantu. He is survived by his husband, Steve Newberry, his siblings Diana Cantu-Guerrero (Corpus Christi), Ruben Cantu (Janie) (Corpus Christi), and Rene Cantu (Fort Lauderdale), his nephew Nicholas Guerrero, his nieces Katrina Lee Royal and Kristina Lee Vela, and countless aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He graduated 4th in his class at West Oso High School in 1980 where he participated in band and the National Honor Society and went on to study at Del Mar College and Texas Tech University where he earned his BA in marketing. Growing up in Corpus Christi, TX, he is known for his strong work ethic, goal-oriented personality, and for always welcoming everyone to every party and every dinner table of which he was a part.

It is with a heavy heart and sadness that the media community says farewell to Rey Cantu. Rey was not only a colleague and mentor to many, but also a leader, a confident, and most importantly a friend. From his early days in radio, everyone knew that he would reach great heights in his career - always willing to jump in and guide and coach those that needed help. His positive attitude and smile were contagious.

After reaching the pinnacle of success in his radio career, Rey was ready to launch his own company via Group One Marketing. Alongside his business partners, a unique marketing agency was born that became successful very quickly in Houston and eventually across the country. Rey's passion, dedication and hard work will be remembered and cherished by all he knew professionally in the media world. "He will be greatly missed, but his legacy will continue to inspire all who knew him and had the privilege to work alongside him. Rest in Peace and shine bright with the big smile Rey!"

Rey worked diligently and selflessly for the Lupus Foundation of America, Texas Gulf Coast Chapter for 14 years. His compassion for the patients he assisted and the amazing energy he brought to each event was recognized by everyone who saw him. Lupus patients and their loved ones were always so excited to put a face to his name after speaking with him for months, sometimes years. He had the ability to anticipate the needs of others, and that made the lupus community and everyone around him feel special. They all wanted to take a picture with Rey Cantu.

Not to pass on a challenge, Rey used the pandemic to study for his real estate exam and readily passed. He became a recognized realtor with Better Homes and Gardens Gary Greene and sold homes through the early months of his cancer treatment.

A memorial service is scheduled for 11am, Saturday, June 3 at the Church of St. John the Divine, 2450 River Oaks Boulevard, Houston, TX 77019. The public is invited. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to the following:

Colorectal Cancer Alliance

The Lupus Foundation Gulf Coast Chapter

The St. John the Divine Choir Salisbury Cathedral Residency Fund