Ray Steve Vasquez

He lived a colorful life during his 55 years that is impossible to encapsulate in a few short paragraphs. Here are some highlights. Born to Oralia and Reynaldo Vasquez on July 30, 1969, Ray lived briefly in Oceanside, CA as a child but spent his formative years in San Antonio, TX. A graduate of Highlands High School, he ran the streets amok during adolescence, saw the coolest bands and wrestlers as an usher at shows, and worked hard at local grocery stores. He joined the Navy after graduation and served honorably until his retirement 20 years later. During his service, he traveled the world—Australia, Singapore, Kuwait, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka and the list goes on and on—and formed lasting bonds with his shipmates. He partied in Abu Dhabi, helped with clean-up after the 2004 tsunami, and got pelted with pebbles by a mysterious creature while jogging in Alaska (or so he claims LOL). During his service, he earned the following: Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medal (3), Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation, Navy “E” Ribbon (5), Navy Good Conduct Medal (4), National Defense Service Medal (2), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal (2), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbons (5), Pistol Marksmanship Ribbon, Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist Insignia, Small Craft Insignia.

His life changed when he walked into the local Kentucky Fried Chicken while stationed in Long Beach, California. Lo and behold, the chicken clerk would turn out to be his future ex-wife. They spent some time kanoodling and eventually hatched four eggs of their own—Elizabeth, Ray Jr., Matthew and Larisa. After an untimely divorce years later, Ray continued his role as father of the year, devoting his entire being to his children. He gave them free rein to be themselves, even if it made his eyes roll. He eventually settled in Chula Vista, California, where he enjoyed his work with NAVFAC SW as a Crane and Rigging Ammo Specialist. He was grateful to work among such a great group of people.

Ray was an avid wrestling fan and got to live out his dream in the ring by wrestling in matches across the border. His signature head-butt move will go down in history. He was crazy about his grandson Ezekiel and cared lovingly for his pit bulls, Zeus and Maiden, who passed before him--guiding him into the next realm-- and Naga and Appa, who miss him deeply. He was an amazing son and big brother and leaves his family with endless hilarious memories of his antics.

Ray was greeted on the other side by his father, Reynaldo Vasquez; maternal grandparents, Petra and Mateo Lara; and paternal grandparents, Esther and Ramon Vasquez. He is survived by his four children, Elizabeth Vasquez, Ray Vasquez Jr., Matthew Vasquez and Larisa Vasquez; his mother, Oralia Vasquez; and three sisters, Dr. Debra Vasquez, Cynthia Vasquez (Sean Grant), and Joann Vasquez (Brad Smith). He also leaves behind a nephew (Daniel Garza), a niece (Brooke Garza) and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends who love him.

If you wish to honor Ray’s memory, we invite you to make a donation in his name to one of the following animal charities. He was a huge advocate for pit bulls, and supporting this cause is a meaningful tribute to his spirit. Alamo City Pit Bull Rescue ( https://alamocitypitbull.org/) Passion for Pitties (https://passionforpitties.com/) It's the Pits Dog Rescue (https://itsthepits.rescuegroups.org/info/index)

A visitation for Ray will be held Thursday, April 17, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Sunset Memorial Park, 1701 Austin Hwy, San Antonio, TX 78218. A memorial service will occur Thursday, April 17, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Sunset Memorial Park and Funeral Home, 1701 Austin Hwy., San Antonio, TX 78218. A committal service with military honors will occur Thursday, April 17, 2025, from 1:30 PM to 2:00 PM at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd., San Antonio, TX 78209. A reception will occur Thursday, April 17, 2025, from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM.