Guillermo "Willie" Ruiz Jr.

Guillermo "Willie" Ruiz Jr., 90, of Kingsville, Texas, peacefully passed away on September 17, 2025, in Kingsville-just two days after the passing of his beloved wife, Ninfa. After 71 years of marriage, their lives remained closely intertwined to the very end, a lasting testament to their enduring love. Born on December 20, 1934, in Kingsville, Willie was the cherished son of the late Guillermo and Otila Ruiz. Willie proudly served as a National Guard recruiter before beginning a respected career as an investigator with the Kleberg County and Hidalgo County Sheriff's Departments. He was known for his integrity, dedication to service, and strong sense of responsibility-both in his profession and in his role as the head of his family. A true outdoorsman at heart, Willie found his peace at the ranch, where he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time with his family and friends. As the proud patriarch of the Ruiz family, he was a steady presence and guiding force, always looking after the well-being of those he held dear. Willie is preceded in death by his devoted wife, Ninfa R. Ruiz; and two sons, Javier Ruiz and Orlando Ruiz. He is survived by three sons, Guillermo "Billy" Ruiz, Eliseo Omar (Nita) Ruiz, and Ramiro Ruiz, all of Kingsville; eleven grandchildren, Alma (George), Leticia (Daniel), Javier Jr. (Crystal), Luana, Celina (Jason), Vanessa (Manuel), Gina, Omar Jr., Bryan, Yesenia, and Randy Ramiro; twenty-four great-grandchildren; and seven great-great-grandchildren. Visitation will be held on Monday, September 22, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Ramirez-Salinas Funeral Home, with a Religious Service at 7:00 p.m. The Funeral Service will take place on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Ramirez-Salinas Funeral Home, officiated by Pastor Ronnie Robinson of Firm Foundation Church. Burial will follow at Santa Gertrudis Memorial Cemetery.