- Date Of Birth: October 12, 1940
- Date Of Death: September 3, 2021
- State: Utah
Our loving father Chief Petty Officer/ E7 Ray Zamora Diaz AKA Chief. Peacefully set sail into the sunrise on September 3, 2021, with his children by his side. Even though we wept, we smile knowing that in God’s time we will be joining our dad someday on that voyage.
Born October 12, 1940, the eldest of two sons to Reynaldo Baldarrama Diaz and Clara Zamora in San Antonio, TX. Ray grew up in San Antonio, TX, where he attended Burleson Elementary School and graduated from Edgewood High School in 1958 at the age of 17. Dad was a band member in high school and played the trumpet. At that time dad was a devoted parishioner at St. Augusta Catholic Church now St. Jude where he was an altar boy.
Ray met and married Sylvia Anguiano on June 28, 1964, in St. Jude Catholic Church. From this union came one daughter, Kimberly Annette Diaz, two sons, Eric Ray Diaz and Brian Albert Diaz. They later divorced and dad never remarried.
Ray proudly served the United States Navy for 20 years where he first enlisted in the Navy Reserves 10-28-1957 to 1-12-1976 and went active duty 1-13-1976 to 7-30-1977 where he excelled and received many certificates and awards for his service. Dad retired May 5, 1982, from the USN because of many physical disabilities.
Dad loved being able to travel to see his children and grandchildren. Spending time with family, friends, fishing and his dogs were what dad loved most in life.
Ray leaves behind his daughter Kimberly (Kim) A. (Richard L. (Rick)) Nelson. Son Eric R. Diaz. Son Brian A. (Lisa Barrus) Diaz. 7 Grandchildren and 2 Great Grandchildren. Brother Henry Z. Diaz. One niece Michele D. Gonzales. One Nephew Henry C. Diaz and their families. Preceded in death by his parents Reynaldo B. and Clara Z. Diaz and Grandmother Josepha Hernandez.
Our family would like to thank his brother, Henry Z. Diaz, for many years of being his care-taker and all the residents, Physician’s, and staff at the George E. Whalen Veterans Home in UT. for caring for Ray the last two years.
