We could always count on you #13 to make a play for us. “Just throw it up to Ray”. When we didn’t have an answer for our opponents, you were THE answer! I have multiple vivid memories of game winners you made for us. No idea how you made those plays happen, but that was truly a gift from god that you had. I have the pleasure of saying I was able to throw one of those game winners to you! In a game where we were supposed to win decisively, it came down to the wire. Our QB was hurt so I was subbed in. With all the pressure on my shoulders, I knew there was only 1 person I could count on with 100% confidence and that was you Ray. I was so short, I couldn’t even see over our offensive line, BUT i knew as long as you were down there brother, we had a CHANCE. Hike, three step drop and throw it up in the sky as high as you can, Raymond will snag it. Like a perfectly written story, my body hit the floor and all I could hear was the uproar from our sideline as you made the game winning catch. Raymond saved us ONCE AGAIN. It didn’t matter if you were in double coverage, triple coverage. The other team knew what was coming and STILL couldn’t stop you! The thing is, it was normal for you. It is who you are. To you, it was never a surprise because you knew the ability you possessed. To us on the outside, it was a magical moment of inspiration as we overcame adversity time and time again. That courage, that fight that you showed us, carries on with me today through everyday life. When I’m competing, i know you’re there riding by my side and looking over us. Making sure we’re taken care of. Making sure to remind us to keep fighting in life. I Love you always brother, I’ll continue to celebrate in your name every opportunity I get. Sun Devils for life.

From growing up as kids on the field, to playing against each other in high school. I’ll never forget our last conversation after that game where you guys beat us. You got the last laugh brother, per usual haha. That big smile on your face as we locked eyes because you knew you HAD us. You were not going to let me live that one down. Even after a short moment of rubbing in those bragging rights, you were humble and it was all love as we hugged and said our goodbyes. My brother for life, that picture will always be in my head. <3

Summer trips to San Diego every year, i’ll never forget the efforts it took to get there. Our parents sacrificed everything they could for us, the hard work put in, the car washes to raise money (that we would dread often), we knew those times would end up being the best times. The stories we reflect back on, later on and feel a great sense of pride from. The only thing that kept us sane during those times in the heat was the friendship and camaraderie. Laughing and joking with the boys, Raymond’s smile was contagious. He always loved lightening up the mood. Whether it was in school or on the football field, I’ll never forget all the beautiful moments we were able to share together.

Raymond always looking out for his brothers on and off the field. If he wasn’t scoring himself, he was leading the way for his brothers so they would have an easier path. When we weren’t playing, he was there supporting the younger kids and watching his brother perform on the field. Giving them any piece of advice he could so they could play to their maximum potential. 
He brought out the excellence in others and was always a leader for us.

Just a random stranger driving by when I saw his cross. My brother and dad ride motorcycles and it breaks my heart that we lost someone in the community to that. May he forever be remembered and continue impacting peoples lives. You can tell from the pictures/obituary that he was loved dearly. My condolences to you all.

Still missing you at work at Walmart just not the same.
Becky

Happy Birthday to my best friend in heaven, love you forever 13 🖤

I can't even begin to express how much you will be missed Ray! Having the privilege to coach you for almost a decade and help mold you as a football player and more importantly a person of great character has  been one of my greatest honors (even though my part was small in the big picture of your life). You were the one who I could always count on to make a big play when we needed it most. The confidence I and your teammates had in your ability was unmatched! "Just throw it to me coach, throw it high, I'll go up and get it"...those words were music to my ears and you said them so humble only caring about the total outcome of the game for the sake of our team, not for personal glory. Now it's time we throw you up high to the Lord to join his All-Star team! I can see Jesus putting both arms up like a referee to signal your greatest touchdown and then wrapping you up in them for eternity! REST IN PEACE CHAMP! Until we meet again...Love you, Coach Mario. #YouKnow #13

I met your mom in 2001 working at party city and I have watched you grow into a wonderful young man with lots of love to share and very respectful like the rest or your family. You are loved by many. You will truly be missed. Ride In Paradise Ray Jr I am sending prayers and love to the FAMILY

Ray, I am going to miss you so much. My 17 short months at Walmart I have met some incredible people. You being one of them. Thank you for always coming to my rescue at the main grocery door. You were always so on top of everything at work & that grin was one of a kind. My birthday won't be the same for awhile. Your family is in my thoughts & prayers as well as all your friends & Walmart co-workers. God got a true gem & Angel.  Rest in peace. 

Always a joy to work with Ray-Ray.  I am going to miss him so much.  So many small but sweet memories.....like our occasional pizza lunches and giving him his first cannoli from my favorite Italian bakery. Sharing stories of motorcycle rides. I gave him a copy of Easy Rider for his birthday. He seemed so touched by the gift.  
Of all my memories of Ray-Ray, one that will always stand out was his fast walk and the way his hair would lift up.  The faster he went, the more it would lift. You could tell he was on a Wal-Mart mission by the hair. 
I am sending prayers to his family during this most difficult time. 
My condolences to his family and friends. 
Rest in Peace Ray-Ray.  
Sian-John 

Rip man. You were a chill dude to talk to at work. Seemed like you always worked your butt off seemed like we only talked alittlebit but even that was enough. 

Ray, you are and will continue to be missed at work. Ray was very polite and so extremely helpful to our Management Team, Associates and Customers. Such a very sad and tragic loss. Miss you Raymond, I will miss your smile!
My sincere condolences to his Mother, Father, family and close friends, your in my thoughts and prayers.

To all that worked with Ray he is deeply missed, I worked with Ray and have to say he was a good guy. He shared his Japanese peanuts with me and I’m old enough to be his grandmother so as I was leaving work on the 13th at 5:30 I saw him and had a bag in my pocket and called his name and pitched them to him and he got all excited and said he was going to have them for his break. It was the simple things that made him special to me. I know he loved his family very much he told me so. Becky 

Ray its was great to work with you.  You will be in my prayers.  You will be missed from all co-workers and I.  RIP Ray

My condolence gous out to all family members and friends.  My prayers will be with you all. 

OBITUARY

Raymond Anthony Cortez Jr.

January 9, 1999 – June 13, 2020

West Resthaven Funeral Home & Resthaven Park Cemetery

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