RAYMOND FERNANDEZ VALDEZ

1937 - 2021

Raymond Fernandez Valdez passed away peacefully on August 5, 2021, surrounded by his loving family in his home of over forty years in San Antonio, Texas. Raymond was the devoted husband of 58 years to his beautiful bride, Claudia Ann Rautenberg Valdez. He is the adored father to his three girls and their husbands: Carole Ann Day and Dwayne Day; Kathryn Eileen Bell and Jeffrey Bell; and Karen Sue Barrera and Robert "Bobby" Barrera. "Paps" is so loved by his grandchildren: Elizabeth Claire Bell and her fiancé Brett Rogers, Cara Claudia Day, Caden Raymond Day, Olivia Grace Barrera, and Erik Joseph Barrera. Ray is survived by his dear sisters and their husbands: MaryAnne Brown; Priscilla and Richard Martinez; Ann and Ken Bestgen; Loretta and Kurt Nelson; Rose Anne and Barry Cook; and Linda Valdez. He is also survived by his brothers and their wives: Larry and Pamela Valdez, and Jeff and Anna Valdez, and by his life-long friend, Michael Meyers. He is preceded in death by his parents Alfonso and Mary Valdez, his brother Alfonso Richard Valdez, his brother-in-law Jim Brown, his niece Tammy Jo Martinez, his nephew Christopher Brown, and his life-long best friend, Freddie Walker. Raymond loved animals and is survived by his rescue pup Arfie and is preceded in death by his precious dogs Rascal and Mollie.

Raymond was born in Antonito, Colorado, on December 15, 1937. Ray worked with his siblings from a young age, laboring in fields and doing odd jobs to support their family. He worked his way through college to eventually earn his Master's Degree in Accounting. Ray devoted his entire professional life to Sears Roebuck & Company, starting in 1963 in the automotive garage breaking down tires and advancing to corporate positions in personnel management, district management, and eventually to regional management in a career spanning over thirty years. He was an esteemed leader and mentor for his Sears employees and touched many lives in his decades there. On his eightieth birthday, Ray was honored by their presence at his surprise birthday party. Over the years, he remembered every person he worked with and loved to tell the stories of his Sears days. His stories will be missed but always remembered. After retiring, Raymond obtained his Paralegal Certificate and worked for Legal Aid, assisted friends with probate matters, and researched for local attorneys. He used his love of accounting to help others with tax returns and retirement issues.

Ray delved deeply into his heritage and the history of the Valdez family and shared his findings and knowledge with his family. His family treasured his intellectual curiosity, and Ray never stopped learning or challenging himself. He poured over congressional hearing transcripts, CIA documents, and court transcripts to learn as much as he could about current events and politics. Ray was a member of the Republican party and worked each election tirelessly, making calls to voters and passing out pamphlets and yard signs. He kept abreast of current political events and was a frequent caller to state legislators about whatever issues he felt were important. Ray respected our political system and was a proud American in every way.

Ray's favorite times in life were with Claudia and his girls and grandkids. He spent most weekends and every single holiday with his family. Ray and Claudia excitedly called their kids and grandkids on every birthday and major life event. He also loved his frequent phone calls with his sisters. Ray had a deep appreciation for all types of music, especially jazz, Broadway musicals, and the Bee Gees. He loved being at his home, on his back porch, playing his harmonica and enjoying his garden. He loved fishing, and some of his favorite memories were of fishing trips with Freddie Walker. He loved horse racing and going to the track with his sons-in-law, Dwayne, Bobby, and Jeff. His other favorite past-time was chatting about his grandchildren – he was bursting with pride over all five of his grandkids and loved to tell everyone about them.

Our family is thankful for the doctors and nurses at Methodist Hospital and Fresenius Kidney Care Cumberland and for their gentle care. We would also like to thank Roy Barrera, Sr. and the Barrera family; Danny & Karen Thomas and Jan McMillan; Dr. and Mrs. Gopi Chandrahasan; and all of our dearest friends for their prayers, kindness, and support for Raymond – we all felt your love and are grateful.

A Rosary at 1:30 p.m. and Memorial Mass at 2:00 p.m. will be held at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church, 202 Kronkosky St., Boerne, Texas, on Saturday, August 14. He will be interred in a beautiful spot on the ArciBar7 Ranch, as always, surrounded by his family.