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Roll Call Tribute

Raul "Ray" Ramirez '62 February 23, 2021 2:42 PM updated: May 5, 2021 11:15 AM

Raul Hector Ramirez Sr.
MAY 30, 1939 – FEBRUARY 21, 2021

“Do something, even if it’s wrong. You have to stay busy.”
This is the most memorable quote of Raul Sr, and so perfectly represents the fundamental ideology of his work ethic.

Born to Jose Ignacio Ramirez and Maria Bertha Vela in Eagle Pass, Texas, the same year that World War II would start, he forged a life spanning the globe with accomplishments surpassing what many of the time could expect. Raul Sr was lucky to be one of 9 brothers and sisters. Twice divorced, he is survived by his two sons Ronaldo Ignacio & Raul Hector Jr, and the “apple of his eye” granddaughter Dana Lucia.

He was a man of mystery to some. Having had girlfriends across the world, bought a Porsche in his 30’s, wearing nothing but custom-made clothing for a time, held public office, and the ability to be the life of any party… He may very well have been Agent 007.

His most proud life accomplishment was not only to graduate from Texas A&M in the class of ‘62 with a degree in Construction Science (and a minor in basket weaving), but that his son Ronaldo Ignacio also graduated from an A&M school.

Raul’s early career in construction took him to places he never dreamed of going as a boy. Having worked in England, Spain, Japan, and on oil rigs at sea to name a few. After his years traveling the world, he settled back into what would become the hometown of his family, Houston Texas.

Together with his older brother Jose Ignacio Jr, he started the general construction firm “The Ramirez Company”. While The Ramirez Company was owned by the two eldest brothers of the Ramirez siblings, it was genuinely a family affair.

After the birth of his two sons, he decided to go out on his own. Beginning anew in San Antonio, he started Valemas Incorporated General Contractors. Through Valemas he again found success building roads, schools, apartments, military aircraft hangars, and the like.

Raul Sr, professionally known as “Ray”, was a true philanthropist and never forgot to make sure that Valemas Inc gave back to the community. He participated in many good causes: Hosting a paid internship program for students of construction, donating to children’s sports programs, helping his employees finance and build their own homes, and mentoring & financing countless other small businesses (often over a firm handshake). He was a man of honor and respect, and his generosity knew no bounds.

Ray’s love of cars never escaped anyone within an earshot. He managed a collection of up to 22 cars, many of which were hotrods which he lovingly restored from the ground up. His weekend morning ritual was spent simply turning on all the engines, pulling each car out, washing it, staring at it, then parking it back where it goes.

Being a father to two sons, his love of the automobile and the mechanical was inevitably handed down. Often were the days one could find Raul Sr, Raul Jr, and Rony all toiling under different cars and projects with “Where’s the 10mm open ended wrench?” and “Why is the engine oil foaming?” being shouted.

Raul Sr taught his sons everything they could stand to learn, and then some. As a father he would turn anything into a profound lesson or an opportunity to grow. Mechanics, engineering, science, carpentry, math, logic, soft skills, and a do-it-yourself attitude…. These are the skills he nurtured in his children.

To those nearest to him, Raul Hector Ramirez-Vela Sr was a cosmological constant. A fundamental force opposing the gravity of a situation, pushing one to do the difficult with a consistency that forbears all.

For his was a life and legacy which we can all smile upon. He was a brother, a dad, and a grandfather.

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