José Ángel learned the value of hard work at an early age. Following the passing of his father, he began working on the Lucio Esparza Ranch in Matamoros while still a young boy, helping to support his family with remarkable strength and determination. After marrying the love of his life, Amelia, he worked for several years as a brick maker at a ladrillera in Matamoros. In the late 1970s, he joined Dulcería La Cordobeza in Matamoros, where he worked roasting coffee and peanuts.
José later began a career with the City of Brownsville Sanitation Department, where he faithfully served his community for 30 years before retiring in 2010. His dedication, strong work ethic, and dependability earned him the respect of those who worked alongside him.
Following retirement, José and Amelia fulfilled a lifelong dream by moving to Rio Hondo, where they created a small ranch together. There, he found great happiness caring for his chickens, turkeys, a pig, and even a peacock. He treasured the peaceful country life and took great pride in the home and ranch they built together.
Above all else, José Ángel was a devoted family man. He found his greatest happiness surrounded by those he loved, always offering his guidance, wisdom, and unconditional support. His quiet strength, generous heart, and unwavering love will remain an enduring example to his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff of Our Caring Hands Hospice and Palliative Care for the exceptional care, kindness, and support they provided to their beloved father during his final days.
The family also wishes to express a very special thank you to their cousins, Janie Flores and Aurora Flores, as well as their daughter-in-law, Karina Nevarez, for their unwavering love, care, and support. Your compassion and generosity will always be remembered and deeply appreciated.
Though he will be profoundly missed, José Ángel's legacy of hard work, humility, faithfulness to his family, and love for simple country living will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
Jose is survived by his wife, Amelia Nevarez; his children, Gerardo Nevarez (Albert Hernandez), Amelia Martinez (Juan Manuel), Veronica Lay (Heng M,), Patricia Zuñiga (Victor), and Jose "Joey" Angel Nevarez Jr. (Karina); his grandchildren, Bryan Martinez (Ashley), Johnny M. Martinez (Naomi), Franky S. Martinez (Arianna), Hugo E. Martinez, Roxanna I. Martinez, Ethan A. Lay, Madison E. Lay, Audrey A. Lay, Favian Zuñiga, Viviana Zuñiga, Israel Nevarez, Noelia I. Nevarez, and Eliana A. Nevarez; and his great-grandchildren, John E. Martinez, Joshua A. Martinez, and Matteo G. Martinez. He is also survived by his sisters, Ignacia Flores, Cecilia Lara, and Elva Nevarez; his brother-in-law, Mario Lara, and Salvador Sanchez; and his sisters-in-law, San Jose Nevarez and Mari Nevarez.
Jose was preceded in death by his mother, Aurora Esparza Cortez; his father, Miguel Nevarez Saldaña; his brother, Jose Luis Nevarez; his sister, Alejandra Sanchez; and his brother, Benito Nevarez.
Pallbearers will be Gerardo Nevarez, Joey Nevarez, Juan Manuel Martinez, Mario Lara, Gilberto Lara, and Javier Lara.
Visitations will be held at Funeraria Del Angel Buena Vista, Chapel of Peace, 125 McDavitt Blvd, Brownsville, TX 78521, on Friday, July 31, 2026, beginning at 5:00 p.m.and continuing until 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 1, 2026. A Rosary, provided by the community of San Eugenio Church, will be recited at 7:00 p.m. on Friday evening.
A chapel service will be held at Funeraria Del Angel Buena Vista, Chapel of Peace, on Saturday, August 1, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Burial will follow at 3:00 p.m. at Buena Vista Burial Park, 5 McDavitt Blvd, Brownsville, TX 78521.
