He was born in Rio Grande City on May 3, 1940.
Raul was married to Manuelita DeLeon Vela of January 18, 1960.
He is survived by his children, Raul Vela, Jr., Maria Vela, Raquel Flores, Gloria Martinez, Maricruz Tancil and Israel Vela. Also surviving are 14 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren; sisters, Arcelia Gibbs, Raquel McGraw, Pauline Cantu and Janie Cantu.
Public visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 pm. On Tuesday, September 10, 2019 at Funeraria Del Angel-Memorial Holly with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. that evening.
A chapel service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 11, 2019 at Funeraria Del Angel-Memorial Holly.
Interment will follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.FunerariaDelAngelMHolly.com for the Vela family.