Gregg J. Ramirez

Gregg J. Ramirez, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, went home to his Lord and Savior on Saturday, January 12, 2013 at the age of 69. He was born in Mexico City on July 6, 1943 and moved with his family to the U.S. at age 6. Gregg lived in many cities throughout his childhood as his father was a professional wrestler and moved the family often. Some of his favorite memories involved time he spent in New York, Nashville, San Francisco, Los Angeles and the family ranch in Ramireno, TX. It was in Nashville, watching many famous performers at the Grand Ole Opry, that Gregg first discovered his love and talent for music. He picked up his first guitar at age 14 and taught himself how to play. Gregg and his family eventually settled in San Antonio where he attended Thomas Jefferson High School. He earned extra money for his family playing in bands at local venues. At age 17, Gregg joined Sunny and the Sunglows, a band that earned a great deal of fame throughout the Southwest and Nationally. He loved making music and had many entertaining stories of life on the road with his band. After playing with the Sunglows, Gregg continued as an active musician in San Antonio. In the early 1960’s, Gregg began taking Karate lessons at San Fernando Gym under the instruction of Mr. Atlee Chittim. He excelled at martial arts, earning his black belt and serving as an instructor. Like music, Karate remained a life-long passion for Gregg. In the 1970’s he began working at Dacbert Music Plaza as a salesman. He worked his way up, becoming General Manager and eventually owner of the business. He loved his job and the support he was able to give to schools and the local music community. He also continued playing and singing with his trio, Just Friends, which he formed in the early 1980’s. In 1987 he took over Southwest Regional Karate Institute and taught hundreds of students, many of whom could not afford tuition, over the next decade. He was actively involved in the United States Karate Alliance, serving as South Texas State Representative, and being inducted into the Atlee Chittim Roll of Honor. Gregg also worked at San Antonio College from 1995 to 2005, assisting students in the Student Support Services office. An excellent student himself, Gregg earned degrees from SAC and UTSA in Business, Accounting, Psychology, and a Master’s in Counseling. He became a Licensed Professional Counselor and worked for the Family Service Association from 2006 until the week of his passing. His passion was counseling families, especially young, at-risk children. Gregg is preceded in death by his parents Eduardo and Irene Ramirez. He is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Dolores A. Ramirez, brother Edward Ramirez, sister Elva Mesquiti, children Greg Ramirez Jr., Donna Martinez, Valerie Ramirez, and Charlie Ramirez; grandchildren Erin, Kristin, Justin, Jackie, Carlos, Matthew, Marty, John-Joseph, Dean, Logan and Alyssa, as well as 3 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. There will be a Visitation at Funeraria Del Angel Roy Akers, 515 N. Main, on Wednesday, January 16, 2013, from 5 to 6:30p.m., with Chapel Service to follow at 7p.m., where services will conclude. Please visit www.funerariadelangelroyakers.com for online tributes. In lieu of flowers, you may make a donation to The Ronald McDonald House.