Reyes Iii

Born: May 12, 1942
Died: March 7, 2016

Reyes "Ray" Vela Rodriguez III was born in Corpus Christi, Texas on May 12, 1942. He passed away at the age of 73 on March 7, 2016 at 4:01 PM at Georgetown Hospital in Georgetown, Texas. After a courageous battle with cancer, "Ray" went to be with his Lord and savior.
Ray took pride in tracing his ancestry in Texas back to the matron of the King Ranch, Petra Vela, and beyond. He lived a full and meaningful life. He was among other things in his lifetime owner and operator of multiple beauty salons, restaurants, and a Texas native plant nursery. His cliental ranged from the most humble to some of the most rich, powerful, and famous. He treated all the same and considered all his friends.

Commitment to his family and friends was his first priority. His greatest treasures were his children and grandchildren. Ray possessed a strong belief in personal responsibility and was exceedingly proud that all of his children had found a successful pathway in life. Ray also had a strong commitment to fairness and was not afraid to stand and fight injustices. His multiple appointments to committees by the City of Leander and his long service on said cities board of ethics spoke to this core value. He was also a long serving president of the Leander-Cedar Park chapter of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) as well as the Texas Hispanic Voters League.

He was passionate about helping others and dedicated his life to many causes in the service of his community. Ray was always busy meeting new people and touching the lives of so many. The stories of his life are filled with travels and a desire to change lives for the better. He was passionate about politics and his family.
Words will never give a full picture of the depth and meaning of the life Ray lived. However, the stories and love that his multitude of friends and family bore him is the book he would have wanted you to read. His was a life of honor, dignity, and family.

Ray was preceded in death by his mother Petra Vela Longoria.

Ray is survived by a large and loving family to include his father Humberto Longoria, Brother Oscar Longoria and Sister Irene Menchaca.

He is the father of 6 children: Humberto Rodriquez and daughter-in-law Erika Rodriguez, Cynthia Arevalo and son-in-law Charles Arevalo, Rey Rodriguez, Daniel Castro and daughter-in-law Katie Castro, Belinda Muniz and son-in-law Michael Muniz and Jeremy Rodriguez and daughter-in-law Marina Rodriguez.
the Grandfather of 15 grandchildren Beto Rodriguez, Shanda Hernandez, Shawn Galvan, Winston Rodriguez, Joseph Rodriguez, Sergio Alvarez, Francine Mata, Jade Rodriguez, Jackson Castro, Eli Castro, Jose Muniz, Mason Muniz, Jasmine Rodriguez, Jalisa Rodriguez and Xavier Rodriguez.
The Great-Grandfather of 8 and another on the way. Many nieces and nephews multiple cousins, and other family too numerous to count.

Close friends Frank Stiles, John Perez, Bert Flores and many others near and dear to him. The list of hearts he touched are countless.
Services will be held on Monday March 14, 2016 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church 1206 East Ninth Street Austin Texas 78702. Viewing will be held from 10AM to 1PM and the Rosary will follow from 1PM to 2PM. The precession will leave Our Lady Guadalupe at 2PM to Assumption Cemetery at 3650 South Interstate 35 Frontage Rd Austin, Texas 78704. Visitation and meal with family after burial back at the church.
For more information, please call: All Faiths Funeral Home at (512) 326-8878