Cruz Daniel Carrizales

Pastor Dr. Cruz Daniel “Danny” Carrizales went home to be with the Lord on January 14, 2025. Born on January 26, 1965, Danny was a man of deep faith and unwavering devotion to God. He dedicated more than 25 years of his life to pastoral ministry, touching countless lives with his generosity, prayers, and love for Jesus.

During his high school years, Danny was an excellent sportsman. He excelled in football and received the coveted All-Valley Most Valuable Player award for his position as Middle Linebacker while playing for the La Feria Lions. His determination and competitive spirit were evident both on the field and in every area of his life.

Danny had the heart of a worshiper and the soul of a musician. He began playing drums in 1984 and continued for decades, becoming the drummer for the worship team at the church God entrusted to him. He played with all the passion and joy in his heart, drumming until he physically couldn’t anymore. Every single beat was for Jesus—the true rhythm of his life.

Danny was born in 1965, but was born again in 1984 into God’s family through the most unusual of circumstances. On fire for the things of God, he quickly devoted his younger years to serving in the church through various youth groups and Christian music ministries. Self-taught, he mastered playing drums for the church and in a family gospel band with his brothers. After years of service, he furthered his Christian education by moving his family to San Antonio and enrolling at International Bible College (IBC), where he learned from some of the most scholarly biblical theologians.

In 2000, Danny moved back to the RGV and began his ministry in his mother Marina Chavez’s home. That same year, he established Christ in Our Midst Church, creating a community of worship and faith that continues to thrive today. He received his Masters in Theology and Doctorate in Ministry from Adame Seminary in 2020.

Above all, Danny will be remembered as a faithful servant of God, a loving husband, father, and grandfather, and a man who never wavered in his belief in God’s power and goodness. His family was his greatest joy, and he cherished every moment spent with them, whether in celebration, prayer, or quiet togetherness.

Cruz Daniel is survived by his beloved wife, Oralia Carrizales, who has been his life and ministry partner. Together, they built a legacy of faith, love, and service that will continue to inspire their family and all who knew them. They celebrated 38 years of marriage, having wed on September 20, 1986.

Cruz Daniel is also survived by his sons: Cruz Daniel Carrizales Jr. and his fiancée, Ashley Hernandez, and their sons, Gabriel Carrizales and Titus Carrizales; Joshua Carrizales and his wife, Laura Carrizales, and their sons, Michelangelo Fonseca, Nyjah Carrizales, and Zion Carrizales; Isaac Carrizales and his wife, Marzena Carrizales; his mother, Marina Vallejo Chavez; his siblings: Hilda Maribel Carrizales, Juan Fernando Carrizales, Rosaura Esmeralda Hernandez, Maricela McKenzie, and Manuel Carrizales; along with their respective spouses and families, including nephews Alejandro Vega and Orlando Vega, as well as aunts, uncles, cousins, and in-laws.

Danny's warm spirit, steadfast faith, and selfless love touched countless lives. While he will be deeply missed, his legacy of love, faith, and service will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

The family thanks everyone who has taken time to express their love and sorrow for his passing. We ask that you remember the Carrizales family in your prayers and help the legacy of Cruz Daniel Carrizales live on by loving one another, serving God, and attending church regularly.

A visitation for Cruz will be held Monday, January 20, 2025 from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m. at Heavenly Grace Funeral Home, 26873 N. White Ranch Road, La Feria, TX 78559. A funeral service will occur Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. followed by a burial at Heavenly Grace Memorial Park.