Florentino Ramirez Jr.

Florentino Ramirez, Jr. (“Tino”), 85 years of age, passed away on September 29, 2026, in Dallas, Texas, surrounded by family. He is survived by his wife, Linda (Whited) Ramirez; three children, Florentino A. Ramirez (Kelly), Mario E. Ramirez (Laura), and Evangelina A. Smith (Mark); and stepdaughter, Lisa Starne (Jason). His grandchildren are Juan Alberto Labrada, Jr., Madison Hopkins (Nick), Matthew Ramirez (Lindsay), Nicholas Smith, Florentino Michael Ramirez, Gabriel Ramirez, Alex Ramirez, Sofia Starne-Leps (Lee), Tomas Ramirez, and Caroline Smith. Tino leaves behind many friends and acquaintances and is off to join many more who predeceased him.

Tino was born December 24, 1940, in Dallas, Texas, the only child of Florentino and Carmen Ramirez. He was raised in the heart of Dallas’ “Little Mexico” neighborhood, surrounded by a close-knit, business-oriented family. Much of that childhood centered around Luna’s Tortilla Factory, the family business and a fixture of the Little Mexico community where his family lived in an apartment above the business. He also spent much of his childhood in Laredo, Texas, where his father owned a freight-forwarding and customs brokerage business across the border in Mexico.

His father passed away when he was a young man, but not before impressing upon him the importance of education and of professions “in which people entrust their confidences.” His grandmother reinforced that lesson, reminding him that education was something no one could ever take from him.

After graduating from Crozier Tech High School in Dallas, Tino set off for Texas A&M University, where he made some of his most cherished memories with his fellow cadets—stories he continued telling long after he left College Station. He graduated in 1962 with an accounting degree and a desire to attend law school. That fall, Tino began his studies at The University of Texas School of Law, graduating in 1965.

Returning to Dallas as a young lawyer in the 1960s presented its own challenges. Unable to find the opportunity he wanted with an established Dallas firm, Tino hung his own shingle and opened the Law Office of Florentino Ramirez, Jr. He took whatever cases came through the door and did what was necessary for his clients, sometimes even taking money out of his own pocket to bail a client out of jail. His practice eventually became Ramirez & Associates, P.C. which carries on his legacy today.

Although he initially handled criminal and family matters, Tino’s practice evolved into representing businesses and banks, particularly those engaged in international business between the United States and Mexico. His fluency in both English and Spanish along with his familiarity with the law on both sides of the border became defining strengths of his practice. Along the way, he also developed a reputation as an ardent litigator.

In 1976, Tino began representing the Dallas Independent School District, providing counsel related to the acquisition of real estate for the construction of schools and administrative buildings. It became one of the enduring professional relationships of his career, which continues with the firm to this day.

The practice of law was Tino’s passion, but the way he practiced mattered just as much. He was a zealous advocate who could fight hard for a client without sacrificing courtesy or professionalism. He believed lawyers could disagree vigorously and still treat one another with dignity, and he earned the respect and friendship of lawyers and judges throughout Dallas and across Texas.

Early in his career, Tino became involved with his beloved Dallas Bar Association, where he befriended many of the most renowned lawyers and judges in Dallas and throughout the state. He was also one of the founding members of the Mexican American Bar Association, now known as the Dallas Hispanic Bar Association, and became a longtime fixture in the Dallas legal community.

Though a reluctant recipient of accolades, perhaps his greatest professional honors were the Morris Harrell Professionalism Award and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Justice Award, each given to him by the Dallas Bar Association. A core member of the Tuesday Night Irregulars at the Dallas Bar Association, Tino treasured the friendships and camaraderie that came with a lifetime in the law.

Despite all Tino achieved professionally, his family and the people around him remained the center of his life. He enjoyed traveling with his wife, Linda. His children and grandchildren knew the same curious, energetic, generous, and endlessly social man cherished by his friends and colleagues—always ready with a story. He drew energy from others, including his Texas A&M classmates, professional acquaintances who quickly became friends, and, above all, his family. He never met a stranger; simply put, he loved people.

Tino’s character defined dignity. He was a trustworthy confidant, a relentless advocate for justice, and was zealous in the representation of his clients. He made “old school” seem relevant. He loved the practice of law, but more than that, he loved the people it brought into his life.

Perhaps one small exchange best captures the way Tino looked at life:

“Dad, what is the biggest thing in the world?”

His response: “Your mind.”

A private family graveside service will be held at Sparkman/Hillcrest Memorial Park.

Celebration of Life, please join us as we gather to share memories and celebrate Tino’s vibrant life from 3PM – 5PM Monday October 12, 2026 at the Dallas Bar Association’s Arts District Mansion 2101 Ross Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75201.

To honor Tino’s memory the family kindly encourages memorial donations to the Texas Bar Foundation in lieu of flowers.