Reynaldo Diaz Sanchez

Ray Sanchez was born in Fort Stockton on September 8th, 1944 to Victoria and Jesus Sanchez. He graduated from Ector High School in Odessa, Texas. He proudly served in the army and was a Veteran of the Vietnam War. He was awarded: A Vietnam Service Medal, Marksman badge, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Overseas Service Bars, and a National Defense Service Medal. He later returned back from war and joined the U.S. Postal Service for 26 years, until retirement.

Picho’s journey on this earth was marked by love, compassion, and his unwavering faith in God. Those who know him know he was a prominent male figure for his loved ones and although he never had children of his own, he deeply loved all of his nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. He was an avid lover of Elvis Presley music and movies, so much so that he took several trips to Graceland, taking his nieces and nephews along with him. He had a knack for identifying various artists and genres of music played on the radio. Unbeknownst to many people he had a way with words and wrote poems starting in his teenage years up until his last days here on earth. He was eager to share his passion for card games, cryptoquip, crossword puzzles, and enjoyed woodworking. He enjoyed capturing the memories of his loved ones by video recording and photography. However, he never needed a photo to recall events as his memory was impeccable and had many stories to share.

Ray Sanchez is preceded in death by his parents Victoria Sanchez and Jesus Sanchez, his brother Adam Sanchez, and his brother-in-law Pete Ramirez.

He is survived by his two sisters Esperanza (Abel) Franco, Rosa (Jose) Enriquez, and sister-in-law Amparo Sanchez of Odessa, Texas. His memory will live on with his nieces and nephews: Carol Franco, Robert Ramirez, Christina (Mike) Benavides, Eddie (Christina) Franco, Audra (Israel) Tijerina, and Amy (Robert) Lujan. Great nieces and nephews: Michael Benavides, Christopher Benavides, Jacquilyn Franco, Demetre Decker, Kaitlyn Ramirez, Blake Benavides, Donovan Hernandez, Gabrielle Garritson, Noah Franco, Mason Lujan, and many beloved great-great nieces and nephews and cousins.

A rosary will be held at Odessa Funeral Home from 12:00 pm-1:00pm. A Funeral Mass will follow at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church at 2:00 pm. Inurnment will be at the Ector County Cemetery as Ray wished to be placed at the foot of his beloved mother Victoria Sanchez.

The family of Ray Sanchez wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Star Care Home Health Nurses, Live Well Home Health, the Nurses at Complete Dialysis Care, Midessa Transportation, St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, Fr.Carlos, and Odessa Funeral Home. Our utmost gratitude is extended to Ray’s caregivers Tera Mitchell and Luz Barraza.