Angel Lucy's Funeral Home
Richard Louis Ortiz passed away at the age of 88 on Sunday September 29th, 2024, in Victoria, Texas. He was born on September 6th, 1936, to the late Fortunato Ortiz and Esther Morfin Trillius in Victoria, Texas.
He is survived by his daughter Lisa Tucker of Victoria, Texas, his son Louis Ortiz Jr. (Christina) of Pflugerville, Texas, and sister Esther Ozuna of Victoria, Texas. Richard is also survived by his grandchildren Sean Tucker of Austin, Texas, and Olivia Ortiz of Pflugerville, Texas. He is also survived by his girlfriend of many years, Linda Ramirez.
Richard is preceded in death by his parents, by stepfather Gilbert Trillius, by his brother-in-law David Ozuna, and by his son-in-law Paul Tucker.
He leaves behind beloved nephews David Ozuna and Derek Ozuna, and their families, Cindy, Mallory, and Adison, and Julie, Daxtyn, and Duke.
Throughout his childhood, Richard grew up playing baseball, football, and basketball. He loved playing sports so much that after graduating from Patti Welder, he attended Austin College, earning a degree in physical education. After coaching school, he returned home to coach football, basketball, and track at Patti Welder, Stroman, and Victoria High School. Early in his coaching career, he was proud to be the only coach on the school district's staff who was Mexican-American. He continued his education, attending Sam Houston State University, earning a master's degree in kinesiology. Coach Ortiz was eventually promoted to assistant director of athletics. As assistant director, he was particularly proud of working to organize the first Special Olympics program in Victoria in 1971. He then moved to the panhandle to teach at West Texas State University. Later, he moved to College Station and taught at Texas A&M, becoming a proud Fightin' Texas Aggie. His path in life lead him to Lubbock, Texas where he was offered a job teaching special education students at Monterrey High School. From then on, he was a fiercely loyal Texas Tech Raider, giving us a big "guns up" at his 88th birthday party. Throughout his teaching career, he continued to be a part of youth sports by becoming a referee for football and basketball, and an umpire for baseball. He was very proud to have been nominated to referee the UIL girls state basketball tournament in Austin, Texas in the late 1980's. He was at home on any court or field, large or small, doing what he loved most. Later in life, he delighted in sitting in the stands, cheering on his grandson, Sean on the basketball court, and his great niece, Adison on the volleyball court.
In addition to sports, he was a life-long lover of music and the great outdoors. He loved being outside, tending to his flower garden, or sitting out on his back porch, listening to good music, and enjoying a nice cold beer. He will be remembered for teaching us to appreciate the simple, but meaningful things in life.
We are eternally grateful to his team of care givers: Paula, Jennifer, Cecilia, Margie, Mary Esther, and Morgan, and to South Texas Hospice.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Angel Lucy's Funeral Home 361-575-3212. A memorial service at Angel Lucy's is scheduled for Sunday, October 20th at 1:30 PM.
Under the care of Angel Lucy's Funeral Home706 E. Crestwood Dr. Victoria, Texas 77901Ph: 361-575-3212Fax: 361-575-9540
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