Ralph Anthony Benavides was born August 26, 1939, and passed away May 31, 2016, at the age of 76.

H e was preceded in death by his father, Antonio G. Benavides, and is survived by his mother, Margaret G. Benavides, and his wife, Yolanda Gorham Benavides. He is survived by his children, René Benavides, Rosanne Merriman (Roger), Ross Benavides (LeAnne), Ruth Adrienne Wiegel and also John Coutino (Anna), Yulia C. Gonzales (Joe) and Amir Coutino (Imelda); grandchildren, Ethan Benavides and Clayton and Caitlyn Wiegel; and brother, Robert Benavides (Sylvia).

In his youth Ralph played Pony League baseball and was an avid golfer in college. He served in the Texas National Guard.  Ralph worked several years at Sterling Electronics before establishing the Classic Diamond Company.  Throughout all these endeavors he formed many lifelong friendships that he always treasured.