Ray Cortez

June 26, 1931 - November 16, 2017

Ray Cortez was born on June 26, 1931 in Harlingen, Texas. At the young age of 16, he joined the Army, serving for four years, Upon his Honorable Discharge from the armed forces, he enrolled at Texas Southmost College in Brownsville, Texas for two years and then transferred to South Texas College of Law, where he earned his Law degree. He practiced Law for 50 plus years in the Houston area as a civil Attorney in his own private practice, including a period as the Asst County Attorney. In 1965, Ray married the love of his life, Toni Beecher and were blessed with one daughter, Yolanda Martinez, three grandchildren, Caleb, Morgan, Madison, one great-grandson, Brandon, many nieces and nephews, as well as a brother, Richard Cortez and a sister, Mary Abraham. He is preceded in death by his parents, Elizabeth Leston Cortez and Refugio Cortez, one brother, Ernie Cortez and one sister, Elisa "Nina" Torres. Ray was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He was a smart, hard working, kind-hearted, gentle man and will surely be missed by all. A special thanks to our loved ones for all the unwavering love and support throughout his journey of life.