Don Ray Florez Sr.

Donald Ray Florez Sr. was larger than life. To anyone that had the honor to meet him, he was “Don”. To his sons he was “Dad” and to his grandchildren he was “Pappy”. And to the love of his life for 45 years, his adoring wife, Pam called him “Don”, unless he’d crossed some imaginary line, then he became “Donald”.

For over 50 years Don was the owner of Associated Label & Tape, Inc. in Dallas. He and Pam worked day and night and grew the company from a very small start-up to a fully respected business in the state.

Don had four sons before he and Pam married, but together they had a beautifully melded family by adding a fifth son. Don gave himself to each of his children and encouraged them to have ties that will never be broken.

Don’s booming voice reached out to anyone within earshot. He and Pam would walk into a restaurant anywhere in the world and before they left, Don knew everybody that worked there and became friends for life.

Don’s life centered on paying it forward and his heart was open to helping anybody at any time or any place. And he spent his life encouraging others to grow and be better, learning to stand on your own feet, and doing your best – as he did.

He and Pam lived their lives joined at the hip. From eating lunch every day while working, to traveling and seeing so much of this beautiful world, to watching their sons play golf and baseball, to going to Vegas, and even going to doctor visits, they were always together. Forty-five years may sound like a lot, but to Pam, they were only at the beginning of their golden years.

Donald Ray Florez, Sr. was born in Dallas, TX on September 20, 1938, to Mauro B. and Lillie Rowe Florez. He grew up in Oak Cliff and attended Crozier Tech High School. Both of his parents preceded him in death, as did his sister Lillie Florene Pender and brother Joseph Mauro Florez.

Don is leaving a beautiful legacy, being survived by his wife of 45 wonderful years, Pamela Kaye Florez; sons Larry Lee York; Donald Ray Florez, Jr.; Mark Patrick Florez and wife Melissa Moroney; Gregory Allan Florez and wife Joey; and Kirk David Florez and wife Amy; grandchildren Victoria Ann Florez and Everett Heath Florez; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A visitation for Don will be held Tuesday, November 28, 2023 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Sparkman-Crane Funeral Home, 10501 Garland Road, Dallas, TX 75218. A funeral service will occur Wednesday, November 29, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, 10501 Garland Road, Dallas, TX 75218. A committal service will occur Wednesday, November 29, 2023 from 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM, 10501 Garland Road, Dallas, TX 75218.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Sparkman-Crane.com for the Florez family.