Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Ray Cortez Obituary
Ray Acosta Cortez, 86, passed away peacefully on June 25, 2024, in Abilene, Texas. A visitation will be held Monday, July 1st, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, with the Rosary beginning at 7:00 PM in the Elmwood Funeral Home Chapel, 5750 Hwy 277 South. The Funeral Mass will be Tuesday, July 2nd, at 10:00 AM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 837 Jeanette Street. Interment will follow at Lakeview Cemetery in Winters, Texas.
Born on January 11, 1938, to Jake and Maria Cortez in Winters, Texas, Ray spent his early years in his hometown, where he attended local schools and formed lifelong friendships. In 1962, Ray moved to Abilene with his beloved wife, Florentina, and their eldest son, Danny. Abilene quickly became their home, where they built a life filled with love and joy. Ray dedicated 13 years of hard work to Gooch Packing Company before spending 25 fulfilling years with UPS.
Ray was known for his passion for dancing, always lighting up the dance floor with his impressive moves. He also loved traveling, exploring new places, and creating cherished memories with his family. A devout Catholic, Ray was an active member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. His faith was a cornerstone of his life, guiding him through both joyous and challenging times.
Above all, Ray was a devoted husband, a loving father, and an exceptional grandfather. His family was his pride and joy, and his legacy of love and kindness will continue to live on through them.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Florentina Cortez; his son, Danny Cortez; his parents, Jake and Maria Cortez; and several siblings.
Ray is survived by his wife, Bonnie Cortez; his children, Joe Cortez of Abilene, John Cortez (Rita) of Yukon, Oklahoma, David Cortez (Melissa) of Rio Rancho, NM, Ana Watson (Christopher) of Grand Prairie, TX, Mark Cortez (Sandra Castillo) of Abilene, TX; his grandchildren, Matthew, Michael, Joseph, Cambria, Carter, Jeremiah, Jonah, Jason, Emily, Jacob, Brenna, Kayla, Jaclyn, Mia, JoRay, and Jema; his great-grandchildren, Addison, Christian, Alexandra, Kody, Evelyn, Xavier, Orijah, Dreylyn, Yazarae, Kurt, Jaedda, Jazlyn, Ayden, Kaden and Kamden; his brother, Herbert Cortez and wife Sandy; a bonus daughter, Cheryl Davis; and one bonus granddaughter, Rachel Ledbetter and husband Christopher; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
In lieu of flowers the family ask donations be made to the Sacred Heart Catholic Church building fund.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
People and places connected with Ray
Recent Obituaries
Memories and Condolences
for Ray Cortez
Tell your own story about Ray
Memories and condolences can be left on the obituary at the funeral home website.
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Make a Donation
in Ray Cortez's name
How to support Ray's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Ray Cortez's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
Sponsored