Jose Luis Lopez Raya

Jose was born on January 24, 1942 to Luis and Virginia Raya in Morelia Michoacán, Mexico. His family moved to California in 1954 and Jose was raised in Pasadena and Duarte for the latter half of his childhood. After graduating from Duarte High School in 1962, he went on to serve in the US Army for three years in South Korea. He was honorably discharged in 1965.

Prior to leaving for the service, he met the woman who would become the love of his life, Gloria Esther Olivo. He was smitten by her and they maintained a long distance relationship while he was still serving. In 1966 they wed, going on to have 4 children: Joe, Gloria, Lorena, and Saul.

Jose was a hard worker, determined to provide for his family and give them the life he felt they deserved. He entered Pipefitters Local 211 Apprentice School and graduated in 1978. Jose started his work journey focusing on AC maintenance and repair and continued his career for over 33 years, including 30 years at NASA before retiring in 2007. The family was deeply involved in serving their church for over 35 years. Jose was also an active volunteer at St. Juan Diego Catholic Church serving the Lord in many capacities. He maintained an active lifestyle in retirement continuing to work with the family floral business.

His devotion to helping his wife with her work was important to him and he continued helping her even while being diagnosed with cancer. It was a true reflection of his love and dedication to her.

He was unendingly proud of his 4 children and always gave it his all in supporting them. He put them through college and was proud of their achievements. This love trickled over to his grandchildren and great grandchildren as well. He always said family unity is everything.

Anyone who knew Jose knew that he was the most loving father and husband a family could ask for. He loved his music, dancing and cheering on his beloved Texas A&M Aggies. Jose was preceded in death by his parents Luis and Virginia Raya, brother Saul and his sisters Virginia and Celia.

He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years Gloria Raya, his son Joe and Blanca Raya, daughter Gloria and Pedro De La Cruz, daughter Lorena and Bryan Lankford, son Saul and Brenda Raya, sister Yolanda Garcia, and sister Alma and Carlos Palma.

He was a beloved grandpa to 8 grandchildren: Jessica and Craig Gil; Pedro José and Samantha De La Cruz; Michael, Sarah, and Ivett Lankford; and Aaron Raya; and 5 great grandchildren: Noah, Jacob, Logan, Caroline, and Julian as well as numerous loving nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

A visitation for Jose will be held Wednesday, August 25, 2021 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Grand View Funeral Home, 8501 Spencer Highway, Pasadena, Texas 77505. An additional one hour viewing will be held from 9:00 AM-10:00 AM, followed by a mass on Thursday, August 26, 2021 at San Juan Diego Catholic Church, 3301 Pasadena Boulevard, Pasadena, Texas 77503. A committal service will occur Thursday, August 26, 2021 for immediate family from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Grand View Memorial Park, 8501 Spencer Highway, Pasadena, Texas 77505.