Johnny Ray Reyes Sr.

Johnny Ray Reyes, Sr., 71, of Ballinger, Texas, passed away peacefully on May 16, 2025, surrounded by his family.

Johnny was born on February 10, 1954, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, to Cleo Polo Reyes Jr. and Josie “Pepa” Hernandez. He was raised with a strong sense of family, faith, and kindness.

On June 7, 1975, Johnny married the love of his life, Leticia Villarreal. Together, they shared nearly 50 beautiful years of marriage filled with unwavering devotion, laughter, and countless cherished memories. Side by side, they built a loving home and raised two children.

Johnny was the kindest, sweetest soul you could ever meet. To know him was to love him—instantly and wholeheartedly. He had a gift for making everyone feel welcome, seen, and loved. Whether you knew him for years or just a moment, Johnny had a way of turning strangers into friends, and friends into family. A hardworking man, he spent 25 years at Mueller Supply, then served as a Corrections Officer at the Eden Detention Center for seven years. On the job, he was known for his integrity, reliability, and signature sense of humor that could brighten anyone’s day. Throughout his life, he filled his days doing what he loved, including making music with his band as a talented saxophone player and singer, playing and coaching softball, and golfing with his buddies.

Johnny was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Cleo Polo Reyes Jr. and Josie “Pepa” Hernandez, and his sister, Vicky Jalomo.

He leaves behind a family that adored him and will miss him deeply: his wife, Leticia Reyes; his children Ray Reyes and wife Elena of San Angelo, and Amanda Reyes of San Antonio; his grandchildren Joseph and Cathryn Baird, Xavier Velez, Kennadi Velez, and Layla Reyes; and great-grandchildren John Baird and Matteo Velez.

To them, he wasn’t just a dad, grandpa, or great grandpa, he was Popo, a title he wore with immense pride and joy. He prayed for them, celebrated their every milestone, and loved them with his whole heart. Being their Popo was one of his greatest honors.

He is also survived by his brother, Danny Reyes and wife Christine; brothers-in-law Richard Jalomo Sr., Juan Villarreal, Rene Villarreal, and Roy Castro Sr.; sisters-in-law Gloria Reyna and Terry Alvarez; along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. Johnny was a father figure and Popo to many beyond his immediate family, offering love, guidance, and support to those in need of a father’s presence.

A Rosary will be held for Johnny on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at the chapel of Lange Funeral Home in Ballinger. His Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Ballinger, followed by interment at the Latin American Cemetery.

The Reyes family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Ballinger Memorial Hospital for the compassion and care shown to Johnny over the past few months. Your kindness will never be forgotten.

Johnny’s legacy is one of unconditional love, infectious laughter, and deep devotion to family. He will be missed beyond words, but remembered with joy by all who were blessed to walk through this life with him.