Raymond L. Sgt. Ramos, Jr.

On Monday, June 19, 2017, Sgt. Raymond L. Ramos, Jr. peacefully embarked on his final journey following a long, well-fought battle with Alzheimer's. He is preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Reymundo G. Ramos, brothers: Vicente, Cruz and Chrisanto Ramos, and granddaughter, Elaine Marie Martinez.

Born in San Antonio, Texas, on May 21, 1943, to Reymundo and Nazaria Ramos. Raymond learned from his father to work hard at an early age. He was very charismatic and loved meeting new people and, at 8 years old, ventured into the world by selling tomatoes and other produce. As a young man, Raymond was also a paperboy for the San Antonio Light and would fondly recall the days he spent riding his bike across San Antonio, pitching papers onto lawns – an endeavor that he would only ever attribute as a responsibility that he proudly carried out to help earn a living. From the beginning of his life, Raymond always knew that hard work, a responsibility he never shied away from, built character.

These characteristics – charisma, loyalty, hard work and a love for meeting new people – would serve Raymond well, when, at the age of 17, he proudly joined the U.S. Army. Raymond's service to his country continued with the U.S. Army Reserve for 29 years, seven months and two days, as a Sergeant (E5) of which he was so very proud of. Among the many stories he would share of his time while serving in the Army, two of his favorite memories involved the time that he spent walking the streets of Berlin as a young, carefree man and, ever the devout Catholic, the time he spent visiting the famous Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France.

Following his service to his country, Raymond pursued his love for his hometown and became employed by the City of San Antonio with the sanitation department while also working part-time with Purolator Armored Trucks. One day, on a whim, Raymond decided to apply as a bus operator with VIA Metropolitan Transit and it was there, with VIA, that he found his calling and second home. Raymond would go on to retire from VIA, after 27 loyal and dedicated years. Following his years of service with VIA, Raymond, never one to retire quietly, took his driving skills to Devine ISD, where he found great pride in busing young students to various school and sporting events for an additional six years.

Always a family man, Raymond loved sharing his passion for travel with his wife and family. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and creating memories, whether it was playing Checkers, Connect Four or Phase 10. His other past times included playing pool, poker and watching movies – "Rocky" being his favorite. He also loved cheering on the San Antonio Spurs and the Dallas Cowboys.

During summer trips with his grandchildren, Raymond's quiet, humble strength and vast knowledge of the open road never failed to make his grandchildren feel safe as they drove across the country to Disneyland or made memories peering over the many edges of the Grand Canyon. And although his moments of clarity were limited, it is the memory of seeing his big, beautiful smile when he met and held his great-granddaughter, Olivia Lind, that will be forever cherished.

Raymond is survived by his loyal and loving wife of 33 years, Linda Marie Ramos; his daughters, Jenny Faz (James) and Debbie Ramos; grandchildren: Lauren, Danielle (fiancé Erik), and William Faz; great-granddaughter, Olivia Lind Castillo; sisters, Margaret Ramirez (Simon), Magdalena Garcia (Manuel); brothers, Juan Ramos (Mary), Victor Ramos (Sweetie), Joe Ramos (Rachel); sister-in-law, Dianna Ramos; and numerous list of nieces, nephews and wonderful friends.

Visitation will begin on Thursday, June 29th at 4:00 PM with recitation of the rosary in the chapel at 7:00 PM at Porter Loring on McCullough.

A Mass of the Resurrection will be held on Friday, June 30th at 11:45 AM at St. Anthony de Padua Catholic Church, 102 Lorenz with interment to follow in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer's Association you can click on the link: http://www.alz.org/donate_overview.asp