Raul A. Quintanilla

He grew up in San Antonio and graduated from Harlandale High School, where he was an all-around athlete — football, baseball, basketball and ran track— the kind of competitor who brought spirit and drive to everything he played.

Raul went on to serve his country with honor. He spent eight years in the United States Army, with duty assignments that took him across the world, including Korea, Germany, and Hawaii. The military shaped him — gave him discipline, confidence, and a presence that stayed with him wherever he went.

While stationed in Hawaii, he continued his education and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology from Chaminade University in Honolulu, an accomplishment he carried with quiet pride. After completing his degree, Raul spent his life working in a variety of roles across several industries, building a long and diverse career that took him to Houston, San Antonio, Corpus Christi, Florida, and Georgia, working across multiple industries with loyalty, determination, and his unmistakable spirit. He began in insurance sales with Blue Cross Blue Shield and Humana, later running his own property and casualty agency. He went on to spend more than 30 years in business development roles with Safeway Scaffolding, PCG Performance Contracting, Petrin LLC, CCC Group, and served as a Regional Safety Manager for Classic Industrial Services. Raul approached every role—large or small—with the same work ethic: show up, give your best, take care of people, and treat everyone with respect. He retired in 2020.

Raul was married twice in his life. His first marriage was to Loretta in 1970, with whom he shared over a decade of life and became the proud father of his two daughters, Nina and Leah. In 1986, he married Rosie, and together they spent more than 30 years of marriage. Through this chapter, Raul also embraced Rosie’s children, Jennifer and Jason, as part of his family, sharing in the home and the life they built together. Raul and Rosie also raised Davion, creating a home filled with love, support, and shared memories.

Anyone who knew Raul knew his personality was unmistakable. He had wit, warmth, and a spark that filled the room. He could joke, debate, tell a story, or lift your spirits — sometimes all at once. He loved his friends and family deeply, and they loved him right back.

Raul was a devout Catholic and after completing his ACTS retreat, served as an ACTS Team Member at his local parish. His faith grounded him, strengthened him, and inspired him to share God’s love, encouragement, and fellowship with others.

Outside of work and faith, Raul enjoyed the things that brought him peace and joy. He loved playing golf, he enjoyed hunting and fishing, was good at bowling as well and had recently begun learning to play the guitar. He loved to barbecue and was affectionately known as the “Walkaway Chef,” famous for burning all varieties of meats for friends and family. For many years, Raul hosted a Good Friday fish fry at his home — a tradition that will undoubtedly live on in the memories of those who shared that time with him.

In his final years, Raul enjoyed being part of the Bexar Appraisal Review Board in San Antonio and valued the friendships he gained during this time. He also had the opportunity to travel to Europe, visiting the Vatican and experiencing Andrea Bocelli performing in St. Peter’s Square — a moment he treasured for the rest of his life.

Raul’s love of music was a constant throughout his life. His collection ranged widely — Janis Joplin, Cream, Stevie Wonder, the Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, Prince, Garth Brooks, BB King, Eminem, Pitbull, Michael Salgado, the Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, ZZ Top, Brooks & Dunn, Ramon Ayala, and Flaco Jiménez. If a song had soul, rhythm, or heart, Raul connected with it.

He was also a passionate sports fan, supporting the Houston Astros, Texas Rangers, Las Vegas Raiders, Houston Texans, University of Texas Longhorns, and the San Antonio Spurs with loyalty and pride.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Federico and Edelmira Quintanilla; his brother, Federico; and his sisters, Virginia Cantu and Irma Cuellar.

Raul is survived by his children Nina (and favorite son-in-law, Reuben) Perez, Leah Lowe, and Davion Quintanilla, — all of San Antonio, Texas.

He is also survived by his grandchildren Kristian and Tristan Perez; Justin Quintanilla; and James Cunningham; His many great-grandchildren, Kahlea Munoz, Kaavya Quintanilla , Trenton, Ezrahki Lailah and A’zarah Quintanilla, and Braxton Perez, brightened Raul’s life, as did the many nephews, nieces, and cousins he enjoyed spending time with.

Raul is also survived by his girlfriend of three years, Maggie Scott, who shared his days, his laughter, and a meaningful chapter of his life.

He is further survived by his siblings Mauro Quintanilla of Corpus Christi, Texas; Delia Arsuaga of Falfurrias, Texas; and Janie (Silver) Aragon of Houston, Texas.

Raul lived fully, loved deeply, and leaves behind memories and moments that his family and friends will hold onto forever.

Funeral services for Raul A. Quintanilla will be held on Friday, December 5, 2025, at Sunset Funeral Home, located at 1701 Austin Highway, San Antonio, Texas 78218. Visitation will take place from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Burial will follow at 1:45 p.m. at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, where Raul will be laid to rest with the honors he earned through his service.