Guillermo Araiza Jr.

It is with heavy hearts that we share Guillermo “Willie” Araiza, Jr., aged 81, went to be with the Lord on June 26, 2025. He was a devoted family man and dear friend to many who was so loved and will be deeply missed.

Willie was born on August 3, 1943 to Virginia and Guillermo Araiza Sr. in San Antonio, Texas. He was raised by his mother and they shared a deep bond until her passing. Willie grew up in his hometown, where he attended school with his four siblings (Toby, Olivia, Sylvia and Louie) and later joined the US Army in 1965, serving in Company B 9th Battalion.

After volunteering for Vietnam, Willie earned several medals and commendations, including the National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with two bronze stars, a Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device 1960 and a Rifle Sharpshooter decoration. In addition to his time with the Army, Willie spent two years with the Air Force Reserve and fully exited the military in 1979. His time in Vietnam had a significant impact on Willie. He developed a very close bond with other Veterans and their families over the course of his life and was a lifetime member of the VFW. He was a compassionate patriot and was committed to helping and advising fellow Veterans. Willie spent most of his life working in radiography at Kelly Air Force Base and later in the heating/cooling and construction industries. He ultimately owned a small roofing company until his retirement in the late 1990s.

Willie is survived by this wife of 58 years, Dorothy, who deeply loves him beyond words. Together they grew a family of many adoring children and grandchildren. His children include Christine Griffin (Dan), Sandra Salazar (David), Guillermo Araiza III, and Belinda Humphrey (Cliff). His grandchildren include Darrell (Adrianne), Gabriel (Liz), Andres, Julie, Josh, Brandon, Clay, Luke, Cristan and Emma. Willie also had three great-grandchildren: Paulina, Dani and DJ. Willie’s love and devotion to his wife and children was a central part of the close and strong bonds formed within the Araiza family. Together, Willie and Dorothy demonstrated decades of unconditional love, and his own humor, courage and vivacious personality radiates within them all. He believed in family and always encouraged happiness, forgiveness, togetherness and love above all. Willie adored his sons-in-law, and enthusiastically encouraged the potentials he saw in his children and grandchildren and consistently delivered his support, guidance and protection throughout their individual aspirations.

God provided for Willie and his family in many ways, which was seen and felt in remarkable ways throughout his life. He expressed a deep gratitude and began drawing closer to the Lord. During this time, he attended a life-changing ACTS Retreat with Holy Spirit Catholic Church which deepened his faith and renewed his spirit. Over the years, Willie had developed a stronger and unwavering faith that he eagerly shared with those around him.

Along with his love for the Lord, Willie was passionate about many things. He was an affectionate romantic and loved to bring his wife flowers nearly every week. Willie was a natural entertainer and loved to sing both Mexican songs with mariachis and his favorite Hymn I Exalt Thee. He is known for telling good stories and making people laugh. He was a very social person and enjoyed playing pool, playing cards and dominos and never met a casino he didn’t like. He loved helping people and was regarded by his many neighbors as a good friend and a good man.

Above all, Willie will be remembered by his family and vast community of friends, Veterans and neighbors as a loving, caring and humorous man who was larger than life. He will be missed beyond measure but leaves a family that will carry on his legacy and make him proud.

Dad, Grandpa, beloved Honey, you were such a bright light in our lives. There is no one else like you…we will love you and miss you forever.

“There are some who bring a light so great to the world, that even after they have gone, the light remains.”

A visitation for Guillermo will be held Monday, July 14, 2025 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Sunset Northwest Funeral Home, 6321 Bandera Road, San Antonio, TX 78238. A rosary will be recited on Monday, July 14, 2025 at 7:00 PM, 6321 Bandera Road, San Antonio, TX 78238. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, July 15, 2025 at 10:00 AM at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 8134 Blanco Rd, San Antonio, TX 78216. A committal service will follow on Tuesday, July 15, 2025 at 11:30 AM at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd, San Antonio, TX 78209.