Obituary of Ramon Albert Valencia Jr

Ramon “Ray” Albert Valencia Jr., known fondly as Albert, was a loyal and loving husband, an incredible father, a tender Grandpa, a caring brother and uncle, and a great friend to many. The Lord brought him into eternal abundant life on Saturday, April 23, 2022. He transitioned with great hope, joy, and expectancy at the age of 75. 

Born to Ramon and Angelita Valencia on a stormy Monday in Tucson, Arizona , July 22, 1946, Albert spent his childhood growing up alongside his four sisters; Mary Ortiz, Irene Lopez, Angelita Navarrette, and Anna Marie Gardner, and two brothers; Moses Valencia and Paul Valencia. 

After completing high school, he went on to serve in the US Army reserves as a tank operator and projection technician and, following his honorable discharge, returned home a year and a half later where he began his 38 year career as a semi truck driver with UPS. It was then that he would meet the love of his life, Hilda. Albert and Hilda were married in 1983 and, together, they raised three children: Ronnie, Ramon and Rebecca. 

Albert will be remembered as a loyal man who loved well. This could, undoubtedly, be seen in his relationships with his family and friends or how he served others but, quite possibly, the truest testament of his loyalty might be his devout fan-hood for the Dallas Cowboys football team who he rooted for until the very end with the high hopes of one last Super Bowl win. As Albert is now held in the arms of our Lord and Savior, so too is the Dallas Cowboys 2022 season that, sadly, in true Cowboys’ fashion, ended in disappointment. 

In addition to football, Albert enjoyed road trips, riding his Harley, fishing and camping, playing a game of pool or golf, the occasional breakfast or lunch date at the local diner, ice cream, Sunday mornings in church followed by lunch with family, spending quality time with his grandchildren, and reading his Bible. He had a passion for serving others and did so in many ways, from building homes for the homeless in Mexico to feeding the hungry in his community. There was a great burden on his heart to share the love of Jesus with strangers and he would often treat them to a meal where he sat and dined with them, showing them that they are seen, they are known, and they are loved. He could be quoted as saying, “People need 3 things: a roof over one’s head, sustenance, and relationship, and all three of those things are met when you take the time to sit and break bread with someone in need.” 

Albert leaves a legacy of loving people with his time. Those who were blessed to know him will remember, most of all, the warmth of his smile and how genuinely joyful he was to see you, for one of the greatest things about this great man is that his joy was found in Jesus, whom he placed first in his life and loved most of all! 

Please join the family and their spouses in celebrating Albert’s life at a memorial service to be held on Friday, May 6, 2022 at 11:00am at: 

Zion City Oro Valley 

2350 W Tangerine Rd

Oro Valley, AZ 85742