Reyes Torres Diaz

He is survived by his wife, Jesusa (Susie) Diaz, and two children, Martin Diaz and Sylvia Diaz, all of Abilene. Reyes is also survived by two brothers and seven sisters, Edward (Rosie), Augustine (Estella), Guadalupe, and Rosa Diaz, Cecilia (Charles) Hambrick, and Isabel (Francisco) Martinez, all of Abilene, Anita Diaz of Odessa, Theodora Ruvalcaba of Ft. Worth, and Ramona (Ronald) Morel of San Jose, California; five grandchildren, Geneeva Samantha Diaz-Olmos, Matthew Reynaldo Trevino, Brandon Michael Reyes Trevino, John Ray Diaz, Abigail Michelle Diaz; and one great-grandson, Kilen Daniel Honeycutt. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, loved ones, and friends.

Reyes was born in Abilene on January 6, 1938. He attended school in Abilene, where he excelled in athletics at North Junior High and Abilene High School where he played for Coach Moser. Reyes was a member of the "Team of the Century" as voted on by the Dallas Morning-News. He played half back, and was the first Hispanic to play on the "A" Team. Many Hispanics in Abilene cheered when Number 27 took the field. Reyes was a great source of pride for the community of Abilene. He graduated from St. Joseph's Catholic School in Abilene, and went on to serve in the U.S. Air Force beginning in 1958. During his time in the Air Force, he played Semi-Professional Football for a team in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Reyes was a decorated Vietnam Veteran. Attaining the rank of Master Sergeant, he retired from the Air Force after a distinguished career of 22 years. Reyes continued a life of public service by working for the U.S. Post Office and the Dyess AFB Commissary until his final retirement in 2004.

A life-long Catholic, Reyes was a member of St. Francis Catholic Church. He served as an usher on many occasions, and he was Godfather to many, including Tina Diaz Zapata and Monica Daniel, to name a few. Reyes was also an avid supporter of many religious groups. Reyes met his wife, Susie, and lifelong companion in Abilene, and spent 44 years together in Holy Matrimony. He was a classic car collector, especially fond of Mustangs and Cadillac's. His favorite was a '62 Thunderbird that he and Susie would cruise around in. A general handyman around the house, he could repair anything.

Reyes gave of himself to God, his family, and his country. And, this world is a better place for him having been here.

The family will be receiving visitors at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 542 Hickory, on Saturday afternoon. Rosary will be said Sunday at 7:00 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. Funeral Mass will be at St. Francis Catholic Church on Monday, July 19th, at 9:30 a.m. with burial at Texas State Veterans Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers are Edward Diaz, Jr., Augustine Diaz, Jr., John Ray Diaz, Matthew Trevino, Brandon Trevino, Jacob Gonzalez, Shannon Peeples, and Tino Diaz . There will be a reception following the service at Cobb Park Activity Building on North 10th.