Antonio Valdez Cruz, Jr.

ANTONIO VALDEZ CRUZ, JR

September 29, 1944 – May 28, 2021

Antonio Valdez Cruz Jr., caring and devoted father, grandfather, and best friend, 76 joined our Lord in His heavenly kingdom on Friday May 28, 2021.

Antonio or more well known to his friends and family as “Tony” was born on September 29, 1944 to Antonio and Lucilia Cruz. He graduated from the legendary Martin High School and was part of the class of 1959. After graduating his beloved Martin high School, he would enlist in the United States Navy where he would earn the rank of Petty Officer First Class. He would Retire from his military service after 23 years and return to his hometown of Laredo to serve his community as best he could. He is best known for his time working for the Laredo Housing Authority where he served as Section 8 administrator for 26 years. He was a member of both the LuLac Council 12 and the American Legion Post 59. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus early to mid-80s. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to any individual who was in need. His most favorite pastimes were spending time with his family and family celebrations and enjoyed watching his favorite sport Baseball. His love for the sport was so grand that he served as the President of the Rio Grande Little League. You could always find him every Sunday morning attending Iglesia Cristiana Misericordia, where he was an active member and participated in many church activities. Many of his family and friends could attest to his amazing character, strong will, determination, and friendly nature.

He was preceded in death by his parents Lucila V. Cruz and Antonio Cruz Sr.

Left to cherish his memory are his daughters Cynthia (Aldo R.) Flores, Ana Laura Cruz, Raquel Canales (Jaime) Del Bosque, Stepdaughter Dulce Tatiana S. Tellez and his son, sisters; Genoveva C. (Ramon) Ugarte, Yolanda C (Inocente) Gutierrez, Emma Cruz, Laura Cruz Ramirez, Teresa (Ronald) Harrington, grandchildren; Estevan E. Flores, Edgardo E. Flores, Priscilla (Juan) Rodriguez, Lizette Lerma, Rolando Lerma, Luis R. Canales Jr., Rene Daniel Alvarado and step granddaughter Mia Montemayor. As well as 15 Great grandchildren who loved and will miss him tremendously. In addition to many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

The family will be receiving condolences on Thursday, June 10, 2021 from 5 to 9 p.m. at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapel & Cremation Services, 1410 Jacaman Rd.; where a Vigil for the Deceased and Rosary will commence at 7 p.m.

A Graveside Service with Military Honors will be held at the Veterans Memorial at the Laredo City Cemetery on Saturday, June 12, 2021 at 1 p.m. All attending are asked to meet at the cemetery by 12:45 p.m.

You may express your condolences, share your favorite memories, and sign the guestbook online at: www.joejacksonfuneralchapels.com .

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care and direction of the funeral service professionals at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels & Cremation Services, 1410 Jacaman Rd., Laredo, Texas 78041; (956)722-8850.