Rudy was born on March 9, 1940 in Georgetown, Texas to the late Luz De Los Santos Zavala, Sr. and Concepcion (Davila) Zavala. He was raised in Odessa, Texas. Rudy was devoted to his mother and siblings growing up and took many odd jobs to help contribute to the family. In 1961 he joined the United States Army. He served his country both faithfully and honorably. He served stateside and abroad completing two tours of Vietnam and Korea. During this time he also was a single father raising his two children. He retired in 1981 at Fort Hood after a successful and accomplished military career as Sergeant First Class. He went onto work for the City of San Angelo and retired after 20 years. Never one to sit still long he went onto work with his son in his professional lawn care business. He married Dolores Pina in San Angelo and enjoyed 7 wonderful years of marriage.
Rudy was active within the community serving as a member of the Southside Lions Club. He was also a devoted Christian. Rudy was a longtime member of Solid Rock Assembly of God. He was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan as well. He enjoyed creating special memories with his family. He also enjoyed going fishing though was not a fisherman he cleaned the fish well! Rudy pursued a life of excellence and expected the same from those around him. He was “hard but fair”. His life is a testament to faith, hard work, love of country and service to others.
He is preceded in death by parents and his cherished step-mother, Rosa Blanco Zavala.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Dolores Pina-Zavala; his children, Connie Duran and her husband Billy, Rudy Zavala II and his wife Tasha, all of San Angelo; grandchildren, Ashleigh Flores, Natalie Flores, Alyssa Zavala and River Zavala; 3 great-grandchildren, Alexah Jehovah and Karter; his beloved siblings, Leo and Rosa Zavala, Hilda and Roy Cuellar, Gloria Zavala and Luz “JR” and Ivonne Zavala; numerous nieces, nephews other relatives and friends.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday March 27, 2024 from 6-8:00 PM at Johnson’s Funeral Home. Funeral services celebrating his life will be held on Thursday, March 28, 2024 10:00 AM also at Johnson’s Funeral Home with Pastor Jehu Hernandez officiating. Interment will follow in Johnson’s Lawnhaven with military honors.
Our family would like to acknowledge and thank Girling Health Care, Gentiva Hospice, and all those that helped Rudy in his final season of life.
In his own words, "I was a Soldier, I am a Soldier, I will always be a Soldier."
