Jose "Ray" Flores, a proud veteran and devoted family man, passed away on Saturday, September 25, 2021, at the age of 79.

Ray was born on February 7, 1942, in Piedras Negras, Mexico, the oldest of nine children.  As a young man, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he bravely served for 26 years.  His time in the service took him to England, Alaska, Egypt, Utah, California and Texas.

Along the way, Ray met the love of his life, Mary Louise Esparza.  They married on October 21, 1966, and had three wonderful children.  After Ray retired from the military, the couple settled in Fort Worth, Texas, where he began his civilian career.  He worked as a mechanic for the Fort Worth Police Department, and later Bell Helicopter, before finally retiring all together.

The couple built a house in nearby Cleburne, where they enjoyed hosting family gatherings and backyard pool parties.  They also loved to travel and, in their later years, purchased an RV to see the country.  On October 21, 2017, the couple celebrated their 51 ^st wedding anniversary.  Sadly two weeks later, Mary passed away.

Ray spent the last four years spending quality time with his children and grandchildren, which included attending lots of football games and casting fishing lines.

Ray is survived by his daughter Debra Molina and her husband, Oscar; daughter Kristine Torres and her husband Miguel; son Jose R. Flores Jr. and his wife Stephanie; grandchildren, Stephen Molina, Nathan Molina, Matthew Molina, Riley Stone, Raegan Stone, Kacee Flores, Andrew Flores, Erin Flores; and eight brothers and sisters.

Visitation will begin on Monday, October 18, at 5:00 P.M. with a Rosary to be recited at 7:00 P.M. at the Angelus Chapel.  Funeral Mass will be offered on Tuesday, October 19, at 11:30 A.M. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church.  Interment will follow in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery with military honors.