John Manuel Ramirez

John Ramirez, 70, passed away peacefully on February 28, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. John was born on April 15, 1955, to Luis and Natividad Ramirez.

John graduated from Thorndale High School in 1973. He then got into the butcher business, working at a slaughterhouse, C.A. Forbes and Co., in Thorndale, until 1978 when he went to work for Taylor Meat Co. In 1990, John opened Thorndale Meat Market until he sold his interests in 2013. In March 2014, he opened Rockdale Meat Market along with his partners, where he continued to make his specialty T.R.'s sausage.

John loved serving the community. He made sure they left happy. John loved playing pool, throwing horseshoes, and especially entering BBQ cook-offs. John loved his family deeply and will be forever missed.

John is preceded in death by his parents, Luis and Natividad (Salazar) Ramirez; brothers Celestino (Sal) Ramirez, Pedro (Pete) Ramirez, and Louis Ramirez; sisters Andrea (Sandy) Bodiford and Mary Soto.

He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Rosemary Diaz Ramirez; daughter Jessica Ramirez (Moses); son Jason Ramirez (Melissa); granddaughters Emilee Ramirez (Isaiah), Sara Tealer, Rachael Ramirez, and Heather Ramirez; and great-granddaughter Elena Ramirez Herrera; brothers Thomas Ramirez and Casper Ramirez; and sisters Gregoria Medina and Lionor Riojas (Rodrigo).

Pallbearers are Matthew Bodiford, Aaron Ramirez, Victor Medina, Luz Riojas, Rodrigo Riojas, Patricio Riojas, Angel Ramirez, and Roman Ramirez.

Honorary pallbearers are Jason Ramirez, Moses Mendez, Isaiah Herrera, Adam Ramirez, and Jeffrey Vega.

Visitation will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at Phillips and Luckey Funeral Home in Rockdale. A chapel service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 6, 2026, at the same location with Pastor Kelly Ortiz officiating. Burial will follow at Thorndale City Cemetery.