Obituary of Reynaldo Lopez Ramirez

Our beloved Reynaldo “Ray” L. Ramirez, age 83, born in Austin on October 31, 1937, was called home to our Heavenly Father, on Monday, March 29, 2021. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Arturo and Jesusita Ramirez; sisters, Connie Mendoza and Nora Arambula; brothers Arnold Ramirez and Gilbert Ramirez.

Ray is survived by his loving wife of sixty-one years, Gloria; their children Art and wife Mary Ann, Sharon Briceño and husband Rafael, Reynaldo “Coby”, Jr. and wife Maria, Steven and wife Margaret; grandchildren Andrew and wife Jenilee, Jacob and wife Jessica, Justin Ramirez, Laura Briceño, Samantha Briceño and Johnny Casas, Rafael E. Briceño, Daniel Ramirez, Alicia Ramirez, Coby Ray Ramirez, Julianna Vasquez and husband Stephen, Jamie Ramirez and Luke Ramirez; 9 great-grandchildren; siblings Mollie Flores, Susie Huerta, Fina Mojica and husband Manuel, Louis Ramirez and Yolanda Ramirez;  as well as numerous loving nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

During his youth, Ray spent his summers as a migrant worker in the fields of California with his family.  He developed a strong work ethic at this time and also learned the value of education.  His dad insisted their children not miss any school days and were not pulled out of school early, nor returned late.  It was also during these years that his compassion for the poor and passion for social justice was fostered. This, he said, was due to the many injustices he experienced and witnessed as a migrant worker.

Ray also had a love for sports.  He was a gifted basketball player and was selected to the all-state basketball team while playing for St. Edward’s High School.  During and after high school, he volunteered as a coach at Our Lady of Guadalupe (OLG) Catholic School.  He was a fierce competitor.  Along with his brothers, Ray competed in sports leagues and tournaments in Austin and around the state.  It was during this time that he met the love of his life, Gloria.  They were soon married at Our Lady of Guadalupe and started a family.  They moved to California for a brief period of time and returned home to Austin and expanded their family.  Ray passed his love of sports to many, including his children as he coached in youth leagues.  In 1978, Ray established the Ramirez Express fast-pitch softball and basketball teams which are still active today and include his children and grandchildren. Over the years, whether it be from his days coaching at OLG or with the Express teams, many former players have shared their fond memories of Ray’s impactful coaching and mentorship.

In later years, Ray and Gloria founded a non-profit organization called Con Ganas, which translated, means “with passion”.  The organization was multi-faceted.  It included a food pantry and distribution, youth mentoring and advocacy for immigrants and underprivileged families.  Another part of the Con Ganas mission was to emphasize the importance of voting.  He led get-out-the-vote drives and was often a voice for the communities his organization served at City Council meetings, community forums, etc.

Most of all, Ray and Gloria cherished their family.  Family gatherings brought them great joy.  They rarely missed a chance to attend any music, sports, recitals and other performances/events of their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Gloria and the Ramirez family wish to express their deepest gratitude for the outpouring of love, prayers and support from family, friends and community.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Ray’s name may be made to Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church.

Public visitation will begin at 5:45 p.m., Monday, April 5, 2021, with recitation of the Holy Rosary at 6:30 p.m., at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 1206 E. 9th St., Austin, TX 78702.  Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, April 6, 2021, also at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Assumption Cemetery.

Recitation of the Holy Rosary and mass will be live-streamed to allow those unable to attend to participate.  Follow these links to view services:

Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church Rosary - Reynaldo “Ray” Ramirez

April 5th, 2021 6:30 PM

https://tinyurl.com/mer-rosary

Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church The Rite of Christian Burial - Reynaldo “Ray” Ramirez

April 6th, 2021 11:00 AM

https://tinyurl.com/mer-funeral

Due to the Coronavirus /  COVID-19 Restrictions from the City of Austin,

capacity levels are restricted at funeral homes, churches, and cemeteries.

Each person entering the funeral home, church, and cemetery will be required to wear a mask

and to practice social distancing of 6 feet or more.   If you are ill or are concerned about the virus,

it is recommended that you not attend services.

The family is so grateful to everyone for their understanding, love, and support

during this very difficult time.