Jose was preceded in death by his parents; his sibling; and his granddaughter, Rebecca Melissa Ramirez Smith. Jose is survived by his children: Jose Sergio Ramirez and wife Carol, Sandra Ramirez and husband Jamie, and Flor Estela Ramirez; grandchildren: Raquel Elysia Ramirez, Jaymes Barcenas, Marilyn Morales, and Arianna Barcenas; brother: Guadalupe (Lupe) Vela, and many family and friends.
Jose grew up in Harlingen, TX. From birth he was raised by his grandmother (Maria de Jesus Perez). At a very young age it was necessary for him to leave his education and support his family. As a boy he worked in the fields picking cotton among many other jobs that were available to him. As a young man, he obtained his CDL trucking license and began a job as a truck driver refueling aircrafts. While living in Harlingen, he worked jobs such as Pepsi Cola Bottling Co., Yellow Cab, and the Moring Star. At the Morning Star, he learned the trade of a printer. Mastering the printer trade, he pursued advancing his career by obtaining a job with the Houston Chronicle. In 1969, Jose and his family moved from Harlingen to Houston. At the Houston Chronicle he started in the composing room and moved his way up to ad designer. During his years with the Chronicle, Jose had a love for music and ultimately obtaining a job as a radio D.J. with KLVL. Never having formal training, Jose excelled at KLVL, which was the first Spanish speaking radio station in Houston. At KLVL, he conducted his own morning show. Jose also known as “El Gallo” was the MC at countless events and also served as a reporter at many historical events, including several presidential campaigns and President Ford’s visit to Houston. If his education would not have been interrupted his talents and intellect would have taken him so much further. He retired, after 35 years of service with the Houston Chronicle in 2004. His next venture was a computer technician. He taught himself the latest software and how to renovate computers to keep his mind occupied. Starting his own business in the computer industry, he also obtained his notary public license.
Jose had a passion for traveling. He always traveled to fascinating destinations from New York City to Mexico City in his very first mustang till his fourth and final 98 mustang GT. Starting from 1981 through 2014, he and his mustangs ran freely cross-country as one.
May 8, 2014---It’s expected to rain heavily today; it’s known when passing and it rains---it’s an indication of someone entering heaven. With our heavy hearts, we will miss you, Dad. He departed unexpected at 1:20 am in hospital. He never let us say good-bye; only, we will see each other again.
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