Ricardo 'Rick' Cortez Obituary (1959 - 2021)

Ricardo "Rick" Cortez passed suddenly into the arms of God on Sunday, August 8, 2021, in League City, Texas. Rick was born on June 18, 1959, in Galveston, Texas, to Cruz M. Jr. and Hortense Cortez. Cruz and Hortense raised Rick and his siblings Cruz M. III, Ana M., and Jose "Joe" in Galveston. Rick was taught at a very early age the importance of working and taking pride in a job done well as "Dad's Little Helper". The early years and memories in Galveston with his parents and brothers and sister helped to form his love of family. Rick in his teen years, began working in retail, which spanned over 2 decades and led to the creation of "Island Spirit", Rick's store and own brand of clothing. He was a talented jeweler and working many years with Jack Hall. Rick was baptized as a young boy and those who knew him as a child believed that he was born to lead people to Christ. Rick answered God's call to lead others to a relationship with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. As God's faithful servant, he shared God's word with family, friends, and strangers. Pastor of ACTS Christian Church in Texas City, Rick led others to know Jesus and baptized many. Rick's greatest love was God and after meeting his wife, Susan, he began one of life's most important purposes. Rick and Susan, who affectionately named him "Smoop", began dating in 1994 and married April 7, 2001. In 2003, they welcomed their baby girl, Jadyn Renee, who quickly stole her dad's heart. Two years later, they were blessed again with their baby boy, Ian Matthew. Susan and Rick loved and raised their children to love God and family. Being a father was the most fulfilling part of life, and he was proud of the happy and faith-filled home for his children, their friends and family. He enjoyed cooking many meals for his family and friends, but he loved the fellowship most. Smoop loved the "Fredneck" adventures and traveling with the Anderson's from white water rafting in Colorado to fishing in the Sea of Cortez in Mexico to scenic drives lasting for hours with Freddy, Susie, Suga Momma, Miss Katie, Puddie, Bubbie, and Buddy. Rick is preceded in death by his father, Cruz M. Cortez, Jr. He is survived by his devoted wife Susan and their children he adored, Jadyn Renee and Ian Matthew of Texas City; his mother Hortense Aguilar, brothers and sister, Cruz M. Cortez, III, Ana M. Cortez, and Jose C. Cortez (Floyd Robinson); father and mother-in-law, Rex and Linda Brantley; nephew, Ben Cortez (Rebecca) and his great-nephews and niece, Caleb, Elijah, and Ciena Cortez of Carlsbad, California; sister-in-law Vicky Garza (Angel) and niece, Victoria Garza Wilkenfeld (Rick); nephew Ryan Garza; great nephew and niece, Canon and Kinsley Wilkenfeld. He is also survived by his Church family brothers and sisters in Christ at ACTS Christian Church. Rick was blessed in his life and grateful to God to be surrounded by a loving circle of family and friends. Honorary pallbearers will be Jim Garcia, Rick Anderson, Cruz Cortez, Joe Cortez, Ben Cortez, Maximus Peck, Kent Anderson, Trent Hooks, Holden Musick, Nathan Hudnall, Wyatt Hernandez, and Roman Vasquez. In lieu of flowers and/or gifts, please consider donating to this gofundme https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-rick-cortezs-family-college-expenses that will serve as a supplement for college expenses for Jadyn and Ian. A visitation will be held on Saturday, August 14, 2021, at 10:00 am, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 am at Carnes Funeral Home in Texas City, Texas, with Rick Patterson and Inez Rodriguez officiating. The family requests all attendees to wear masks.