Reverend William Richard Ortiz

This faithful servant of God was born on September 18, 1946, in Colorado into a family of evangelists including his grandfather, Reverend Joe Facundo Marez and his parents, evangelists William and Lucy Ortiz. He was raised with siblings, Tito, Tammy, Esther, John, Pearl, Hope, & Joel.

Reverend Billy met and married the love of his life, Josephine Serrano in 1967. They made their home in Los Gatos, California, raising three girls, Denise, Deanne, and Debbie. He was grandfather to Samantha and Tobin and uncle to many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his loving daughter, Denise.

While facing seemingly insurmountable business and financial problems, Billy received a word from the Lord at a Morris Cerullo Crusade in San Francisco California. He acted on it-yielding supernatural results. Following, he remained close to brother Cerullo and his ministry of World Evangelism, serving on the Board of Elders and President’s Council, teaching at Schools of Ministry in Mexico, and throughout the United States.

A real estate broker for 35 years, Reverend Billy was also an international evangelist and founder of Outreach to the Nations, living out his passion to share the message of a loving God and healing Savior. His book, Where will the People You Meet Spend Eternity?, inspires others to share this same gospel.

Reverend Billy appeared on nationwide TV programs, such as Victory With Morris Cerullo, The 700 Club, El Club 700-America, El Club 700 and others. His personal story and message have been published in Time, Deeper Life, Voice, and La Voz magazines. Reverend Billy had a heart for the people of Mexico and began his work there with a church in Nayarit, as well as the development of an orphanage in Chihuahua. Thousands of men and woman have witnessed the power of God in Reverend Billy’s revivals through healings, deliverances, signs and miracles.

Those who knew him will remember that Reverend Billy didn’t have to travel internationally to preach the gospel. Wherever he was, in a cab, on an airplane, at a restaurant, Reverend Billy would never pass up an opportunity to share what he considered the most important gift of life:

“Financial blessings are wonderful, but they will not satisfy the hunger of the spirit. Only God can do that. My greatest joy is winning souls for God, testifying about what it means to me, getting to know Him better, and learning about His resurrection power. Because I’m committed to the Lord, this is my real concern: to go in the compassion of Christ wherever the Spirit of God leads me, to give, to pray, and to serve.”

Reverend Billy Ortiz

Memorial service at Cathedral of Faith Church 2315 Canoas Garden Ave. San Jose on Mon., Nov. 14, at 6pm. Funeral Service at Lima Family Mortuary 466 N. Winchester Blvd., Santa Clara Tues., Nov. 15, 10:30 am.

All are welcome to come and celebrate his earthly life and to learn more about Jesus Christ, the giver of eternal life.