Reynaldo Ramirez

Pharr - Reynaldo Ramirez passed away with the love of his family surrounding him on February 21, 2023, at the age of 79 years.

Reynaldo was blessed with a large and loving family. As a child and young adult, he assisted his family in migrating to Idaho every year to work in the fields. He had an amazing memory for detail and could tell fascinating stories - this part of his life and history were something he always sought to compose, and a story that he'd strive to make known in detail until his final days. He married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life Maria Leonor on November 25, 1966. Their love through the years became a shining example of selflessness and devotion. Together they raised their four children with patience, love, humility and grace. Reynaldo was a devoted father and grandfather with a kind and gentle spirit and a witty, humorous personality. He affectionately referred to his children as "Number One, Number Two, Number Three & Number Four." He dedicated so much of himself to quality family time, he understood the importance of teaching through example, he loved family outings and road trips and oh how he loved to joke and laugh. His smile and light-hearted demeanor were contagious.

Reynaldo graduated from Pan American University with a degree in History with a minor in Spanish. He went on to become a teacher at Weslaco High School where he taught Marketing and Distributive Education for 31 years. During his many years as an educator, he was an advocate for his students helping launch them into successful careers, while developing friendships with colleagues along the way that would last a lifetime.

While he enjoyed teaching, Reynaldo was a passionate outdoorsman at heart. He was a skilled woodworker and loved building new things - his beautiful creations will be cherished and held dear by so many. He also loved working in his yard, gardening, planting new things, and most especially hunting and fishing. His love for animals and nature was something that he shared with and instilled in his sons from their earliest years. He spent countless days and weekends taking them hunting and fishing and while doing so, teaching, mentoring and imparting wisdom into them - he was their hero in every way. He shaped the men they would become by not only teaching them, but also showing them what it was to be a man of integrity - to be humble, generous and kind.

Reynaldo was also very proud to have served his country for 37 years in the Army National Guard. As a retired veteran, he was an integral part of the Senior NCO Club where he served in many different roles and capacities.

The life he led as the eldest son, a brother, a husband, a father, an educator, a mentor, and a friend was truly an inspiration to all who knew him and whose lives he touched.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Amelio and Remigia Ramirez.

Reynaldo will be dearly missed and forever remembered by his beloved wife of 56 years, Maria Leonor; four children, Raudel Ramirez of San Juan, TX, Rolando (Anna) Ramirez of San Antonio, TX, Analisa (Jose) Barrera of San Antonio, TX and Roel (Cindy) Ramirez of San Juan, TX. He was blessed with seven grandchildren, Noelle Christine, Larissa Elena, Nicholas Joseph, Ariana Sophia, Neve Damaris, Camila Eve and Luciana Rosalie; five siblings, Rosario (Abdiel) Cuevas, Gisel (Israel) Silva, Manuel (Adalia) Ramirez, Amelio (Diana) Ramirez, Jr, and Rita Velma Ramirez; and numerous relatives.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. with a 6 p.m. rosary Sunday, February 26, 2023, at Memorial Funeral Home in San Juan. Funeral service will take place at 12 noon Monday, February 27, 2023, at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church in Pharr. Interment will follow at Palm Valley Memorial Gardens in Pharr. Military honors will be conducted by VFW Post 7473 of Elsa.

Funeral services are under the direction of Memorial Funeral Home in San Juan.