Rene Javier Ramirez

It is with deep sorrow and much love that the family of Rene Javier Ramirez announce his passing on the day of June 20, 2023 at the age of 85. A beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, he was surrounded by family and loved ones. Rene Javier Ramirez was born on July 11, 1937 to Dora and Tomas Ramirez of Hebbronville, Texas. Rene was an all-star athlete at Hebbronville High School lettering in football, baseball, basketball, band, and track and field. Not only did he play football, but at half time would change from his football gear into his drum major uniform to lead the band. He later graduated as valedictorian of his class in 1956 where he went on to attend the University of Texas at Austin after receiving a football scholarship. While at UT, Rene fought hard to join the team roster as a half back where he became a vital building block in the construction of Darrell K. Royal’s winning program in the late 1950’s. As a sophomore in 1957 he led the team in all-purpose yards (567) and touchdowns (5). He made headlines for his performance against Tulane, scoring a touchdown and totaling over 150 yards. He then had an 80-yard kickoff return, upsetting the Conference title-defending Rice Owls 19-14. One year later, he tied for the team lead in touchdowns (5) and had significant play in Texas’ 15-14victory over Oklahoma that ended the Sooners’ 6-year series winning streak. Later in the season he had a 52-yard touchdown run in the 24-6 victory over Arkansas and scored three touchdowns in the season finale, a 27-0 win over longtime rival Texas A&M. In 1959, the Galloping Gaucho – the name given for Rene’s tremendous speed – was first team All-Southwest Conference. The Longhorns not only finished the regular season 9-1, but they were also ranked fourth in the nation and played Syracuse in the 1960 Cotton Bowl. Additionally, Rene was a solid defensive player as well who posted four career interceptions and was one of the first-round selections of the Buffalo Bills in the AFL expansion draft in 1960. While he did not pursue a professional football career, Rene received the title of All-American halfback and was a key player in giving Coach Royal his first conference title. He graduated from Texas in 1961 with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering as a member of the Phi Kappa Theta Catholic fraternity. Long before then and from then on out, Rene would bleed orange. Among many impressive accomplishments, Rene was inducted into the Hebbronville Hall of Fame, the Latin American International Sports Hall of Fame in Laredo, the Hispanic Hall of Fame in San Antonio, the Rusk Athletic Club Hall of Fame in Houston, and in 2013 the Texas Longhorn Hall of Honor. Rene’s professional and ambitious career after football included a successful venture selling insurance with American Amicable, where he earned many awards and opportunities. He also worked as an engineer for Mobil Oil and retired from the General Land Office of the State of Texas as an appraiser in August 2013. Rene further illustrated his work ethic by also pursuing his entrepreneurial dream of owning several businesses. Throughout Rene’s life he gave motivational speeches at schools with young and aspiring athletes and ran a youth development camp for the underprivileged in East Austin. While living in Austin, he joined the Austin Jokers Fast pitch Softball Team beginning in 1962 where he played right field – among other positions – until 2000. During his time with the Jokers, Rene made life-long friendships and had the opportunity to play alongside not only his oldest son but his oldest grandson – three generations on the same team. Above all, Rene was a staunch supporter of higher education. All nine of his children achieved undergraduate degrees which is also reflected in the lives of his grandchildren as they pursue their own.

He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Becky Ramirez; his nine children: daughter Teresa and husband, Rodney Castillo of Lexington, TX, son Eric and wife, Suzy Ramirez of Pflugerville, TX, daughter Celeste Ramirez of San Antonio, TX, son Alan and wife, Tammy Dougherty of New Braunfels, TX, son Rene “Taby” Ramirez of Taylor, TX, son Carlos Ramirez of Austin, TX, daughter Jo Rikki Ramirez of Austin, TX, son Adrian Ramirez of Charlotte, NC, son Emmanuel and wife, Catherine Ramirez of San Marcos, TX; grandchildren: Rene Elic, Riana, Roxanne, Miranda, Andres, Gabrielle, Mariana, Alan, Xavier, Eliamar, and Ezra; great-grandchildren: Mia, Beau, Gael, Atlas, Whitt, Ava, Mila, Ocean, Luka and Britten; brother Hector Ramirez of Hebbronville, TX, brother Tomas Jr. and wife, Maria Ramirez of Hebbronville, TX, and sister-in-law Hermogenes Ramirez of Hebbronville, TX. He is predeceased by his parents Tomas and Dora Ramirez of Hebbronville, TX, brother Gregorio Ramirez of Hebbronville, TX, sister-in-law Cecilia Ramirez of Hebbronville, TX, and former wife, Jo Marie Hill Ramirez of Austin, TX.

A visitation for Mr. Ramirez will be held Friday June, 23, 2023, from 2:00 PM, to 9:00 PM, and a rosary reciting at 7:00 PM at Funeraria Del Angel in Mission, TX, located at 3611 N. Taylor Rd. in Mission, TX. A catholic mass will take place on Wednesday, June 28, 2023 at 10:00 AM at Our Lady of Sorrows Church in the chapel, located at 1108 W. Hackberry Ave, McAllen, TX, 78501. A burial of ashes will be held Wednesday June 28, 2023 at 1:00 PM, at Valley Memorial Gardens in Mission, TX, located at 3611 N. Taylor Rd. in Mission, TX.

If you would like to send flowers, the family would be honored to have them received in burnt orange or white to commemorate Rene’s beloved alma mater. Come early. Stay late. Bleed Orange. Hook’em Horns!