- Date Of Birth: March 3, 1936
- Date Of Death: April 30, 2020
- State: Texas
“Life is one grand, sweet song, so start the music.” – Ronald Reagan
Music is very similar to life. There are some high notes and some low notes, but each note contributes to a sweet melody. Sometimes rhythms are fast-paced and go too fast, while other times the beat is slow, and you relish the time you have to listen to the music. The lyrics or style of music reflects your passions and beliefs as the music reaches the depths of your soul. Even as the music ends and the last note fades away, you still have the song and its beauty resonating in your heart and mind. However, no song or melody could have been as sweet or pure as the heart of a man who charmed many with his charismatic smile, his wonderful voice, or his deep love. Abundio Herrera Ortiz, Jr., a loving husband, father, grandfather, veteran, and friend, lived an amazing life—a life truly as sweet as the music he played.
All music and life starts with a beat. On Tuesday, March 3, 1936 in San Antonio, Texas, the little heartbeat of a baby boy leaped as he entered into the world and into his parents’ arms. His parents, Trinidad and Abundio Herrera Ortiz, Sr. were overjoyed with their new little son. From the beginning of his life, Abundio Jr.’s world was filled with music. His father was a musician and after moving to Dallas and watching his father perform at the Texas Centennial Celebration at Fair Park, Abundio Jr. decided he wanted to learn the guitar and play music. Abundio Jr. began to take guitar lessons from his godfather, Antonio Hernandez. He was joined in his lessons by two close family friends. As he became proficient in his guitar lessons, Abundio joined a youth band known as Son Cope Cabaña with Trini Lopez, who would go on to become a musician and actor. Within the Little Mexico projects of Dallas, families could hear Abundio practicing his guitar as he sung along to the music. Not only did he practice his music within his neighborhood, but he also played sports as well. Abundio played football, baseball, and soccer. As a member of the Optimist Club soccer team, he earned the title of Top Scorer in the state of Texas and helped his team win many games. Within his neighborhood, Abundio became well known and developed many friendships that would last a lifetime. While attending Crozier Tech High School in Downtown Dallas, Abundio enlisted into the United States Navy on March 18, 1955. Abundio and his friend, Gilbert Rosales went through boot camp together in San Diego, California. During his time in bootcamp, Abundio earned the Honorman Award for the 3rd Division. In the Navy, Abundio put his love of baseball to use as he played for the Navy’s baseball team. When he wasn’t playing baseball, playing his guitar, or performing his duties with the Navy, Abundio worked as a concession stand clerk and a ticket taker at the door of a theater. Like notes falling into place to make one perfect chord, Abundio happened to work in the same theater as Irma Mary Martinez, the ticket cashier girl, who became the love of his life. The two courted while Abundio finished his time with the Navy. His last assignment was with a Baltimore Class Heavy Cruiser, the USS Columbus. While on the cruiser, he was involved with the ship’s supply requirement where he kept up with the inventory of parts, uniforms, and other items that made life on the ship possible. Similar to his normal job on the ship, if it came down to a fight with the enemy, Abundio’s battle station was in the magazine where they kept the artillery shells and gun powder. It was his job to make sure everyone got what they needed, even in a time of crisis.
Although music was a passion for Abundio, his real love was for his family. He loved his family so deeply much and spent his life caring for them. Of all the gigs, cheers, and applause, nothing made Abundio’s heart soar as much as hearing his wife’s voice or his children’s laughter. Abundio had a “heart of gold and helped so many people in his life.” He developed many friendships throughout his life from his childhood home in the Little Mexico projects, to his high school at Crozier Tech, the Navy, his occupations, and his many musical ambitions. As T.S. Eliot wrote once, “You are the music while the music lasts.” Those who have been so blessed to know Abundio wish that his sweet song of life could play on forever, but to the sorrow and heartache of his family, Abundio passed away on Thursday, April 30, 2020 in Grand Prairie, Texas. Abundio’s life has left a legacy of passion, hard work, music, and love. Like a beautiful melody that reaches your soul, Abundio will always be in his families’ hearts and minds. He is the song that will never lose its beauty no matter the passing of time or changes in the world. Abundio Herrera Ortiz, Jr. and his golden heart have been and will always be timeless and precious.
Abundio Herrera Ortiz, Jr. is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Irma Mary Ortiz; his loving son, Adam M. Ortiz, Sr.; his grandson, Adam M. Ortiz, Jr., and his wife, Nancy Mercado; his great-grandson, Maximus Alexander Ortiz; his sisters, Yolanda Villareal and Elida Hernandez Garza; and many friends. Abundio Herrera Ortiz, Jr. is preceded in death by his father, Abundio H. Ortiz, Sr.; his mother, Trinidad Amaya Vidal; his stepfather, Perfecto “Beto” Vidal; his brothers, Raul Aguilar, Rudy Fernandez, and Mauricio Amaya Ortiz; and his sister, Dolores “Lola” Ramirez.
Abundio Herrera Ortiz, Jr. and his amazing life will be honored on Sunday, May 17, 2020 with a Life Celebration from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Hughes Family Tribute Center.
May Abundio’s life, love, and legacy never be forgotten by those who have been blessed to know him and hear his music.
