Willie T. Rios Jr.

In Loving Memory of Willie T. Rios Jr., lovingly known to his eleven grandchildren as Popo Rios.

Willie was born on August 5, 1938, in Inez, Texas, to the late Willie Rios Sr. and Petra Treviño Rios. He grew up in the close-knit community of Inez before moving to Houston in his early twenties, where he met the love of his life, Evangelina Rodriguez. They married on October 23, 1963, and shared 52 beautiful years together until her passing on February 23, 2016.

Willie is survived by his four children and eleven grandchildren, each of whom brought immense pride and joy to his life:

• Willie Rios III and his wife Annie, and grandchildren Willie IV and Allie (husband Kane)

• Timothy Rios and his wife Patricia, and grandchildren Jude, Leah, and Camille

• Sonya Rodriguez and her husband Ernie, and grandchildren Colby, Austin, and Miranda Evangeline

• Melissa Rios, and grandchildren Leonel Jr., Christian, and Eric

He is also survived by his two sisters, Mary Sanchez and Dolores Robitaille and he is preceded in death by his sisters, Dora Valdez and Lillie Huerta and brothers Billy, Phillip and Silger Rios.

A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Willie lived a life centered on family, faith, and hard work. His happiest moments were spent surrounded by those he loved-especially during holidays and family gatherings, where his presence filled the room with warmth and laughter.

Willie cherished his time ranching and raising cattle in Inez, where he found peace in the open fields and sunsets from the seat of his tractor. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed fishing along the Texas Gulf Coast and deer hunting on his land. He loved dancing to music performed by his son, cheering on his grandchildren at baseball games, attending their graduations and recitals, working on vintage vehicles, and sharing countless conversations filled with humor and wisdom.

A proud patriot, Willie served his country with honor in the Texas Army National Guard, enlisting in 1958 and dedicating more than 40 years as a non-commissioned officer. SFC Rios served with Charlie Company, 386th Engineer Battalion in Pasadena, Texas, earning the respect of all who served alongside him.

May he rest in peace, knowing he is deeply loved and forever honored by his family. His legacy lives on in the values he instilled, the love he gave, and the memories he created. His kindness, dignity, and unwavering devotion will be missed beyond measure.

With all our love,

Your Family