Raymond James Salas

Edinburg - Raymond "Ray" James Salas, 67, went to be with our Lord on Saturday, April 29, 2023, in California.

Raymond grew up in Pico Rivera, California and credited the beginning of his life's turnaround from drugs and dedication to his gang to a sudden spiritual awakening. In 1986 Raymond's name was written into the Book of Life when he was baptized in water and spirit in Jesus name. Raymond moved to Texas in his 30's to be close to his mother, Mattie. In 1997 Raymond obtained his GED; in 2010 he acquired his Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice at UTPA; and in 2014 secured his Master of Education at UTPA where he met his loving wife, Minnie, of almost 10 years.

His life's passion was to counsel at risk youths and parents on the prevention of the dangers of gangs, drug, and violence. He worked as the Project Coordinator at the UTPA Zen Recovery Center-Counseling and Psychological Services; as Drug Elimination Coordinator for the McAllen Housing Authority; Chemical Dependency Counselor for Kids in Development Services, Inc.; Outreach Worker for RGV Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse; U.S. Department Justice Weed and Seed Initiative; Communities in Schools, and had extensive training presentation for a variety of audiences as well as his membership in Border Initiative-Task Force Board; P.S.J.A. ISD Task Force and Alcohol and Drug Abuse and the Hidalgo County Child Protective Service. Raymond had numerous academic and training credentials as a Certified Prevention Specialist. He was a mentor and was proud of his accomplishments in knowing that he could make a difference with at-risk youths and help turn their lives around.

He was born April 29, 1956, in Pico Rivera, California, and is preceded in death by his parents, Humberto Salas and Matilda Rodriguez Moss; two brothers, Gilbert and Ricky Salas; and step-father, Floyd Moss.

Mr. Salas is survived by his wife, Minnie; five daughters, Cynthia, Annaray, Sylvia, Elizabeth, and Raylena; seven grandchildren; two sisters, Cynthia Salas, Janine Salas-Garza; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends.

Visitation will be held from 9:30 to 11 a.m. with a chapel service at 11 a.m. Friday, May 19, 2023, at Memorial Funeral Home, 208 E. Canton in Edinburg. Interment will follow at Val Verde Memorial Gardens in Donna.

Funeral services are under the direction of Memorial Funeral Home in Edinburg.