Our beloved Javier Ramirez, 45, of Poteet, was called to eternal rest on Thursday, March 30, 2023, in the company of his loved ones. He was a simple man with a witty, playful nature about him. He enjoyed the outdoors and spending time with those he loved.

Javier was born on June 21, 1977, to Joaquin and Celestina D. (Sally) Ramirez of Adkins.

Although small in stature, Javier had a big passion for the outdoors and treasured quality time amongst family. Hiking, canoeing and bike riding were some of his favorite pastimes. Camping and moments spent around the campfire were special to him. When fishing, he may not have always caught the big one, but he was content with creating memories, and cracking jokes. It was always fun to listen to stories of the one that got away!

Country life and barbequing also brought him joy. He was confident that he had mastered the art of slow-cooking a tasty brisket and tender, finger-licking good ribs. When it came time to being a rancher, he found that offering support from outside the corral was more his style! There was not enough on-the-job training when it came to marking calves and moving cattle.

As a parent and uncle, Javier was always patient and kind. He was supportive and available. He was spontaneous and open to adventure. When able, Javier enjoyed supporting the kids at school and sporting events. He was proud of their service, precise dancing, and state-qualifying weight lifting skills. He also got a thrill of watching the hard spikes, pancakes, tackles, and strikes that they all achieved. He would tap his foot to the beat of the music when the musicians in the family played Happy Birthday or Christmas carols. He loved and adored all the littles in his life!

Javier enjoyed watching Urban Cowboy and had every line memorized. He even went as far as having Gilley's retro shirts made for the family. He often blessed us with his amazing singing abilities as he would take the Karaoke mic and belt out his favorite tunes.

Javier was non-confrontational and fun to be around. He could change the course of a sour situation simply by asking his well-known "Have you ever thought of...?" question. His calm demeanor would lead to a reflective conversation in which solutions could be pondered and issues could be resolved. If that didn't work, he was sure to follow up with a joke and have everyone laughing.

Javier loved working for Safer Path. He was passionate about his job and helping all who walked through the doors. He brought warmth, humor, and a bone-deep goodness into this difficult and challenging work. We are thankful to Javier's Safer Path family for their support and thoughtfulness. Throughout his battle, their generosity and love offered much comfort to him and the family. We will forever be grateful.

In the words of Parker McCollum, "It's been a hell of a year!" Although Javier is gone and our hearts are broken, comfort is found in the loving memories and the beautiful relationships everyone had with him. His simple way of living and love for the small things will remind us to slow down and enjoy life today, for tomorrow is never promised. We live with the hope of reuniting again someday. In the meantime, Javier, we hope you are dancing in Heaven and singing in the angels choir.

Javier is preceded in death by his grandparents Damacio and Juanita Plata, Joaquin Ramirez, and great-grandmother Micaela Casanova. He is survived by his wife, Anna Ramirez of Poteet, children, Johnny, Iliana, Ariana, Anthony Ramirez, Maria Salas, all of San Antonio, and Thomas, and Aidan Salas of Poteet, his grandmother, Micaela Alvarado of San Antonio, parents, Joaquin and Sally Ramirez of Adkins, mother-in-law, Victoria Reyes of Poteet, his brother Edward Ramirez & Sandy, his sister Christina Collazo & Wences all of San Antonio, his in-laws Alex and Shirley Natal, Bradley and Jessica Bartlett, grandchildren: Emilia, Sebastian, Damien, Emilio, Noah, and Lily, nephews Jacob, Joaquin, Adam, Ricardo, Marcos, Diego, Brody, and nieces Jasmine and Addison, and his 4-legged buddy, Walter, aka Walty.

Pallbearers will be Johnny Ramirez, Anthony Ramirez, Thomas Salas, Ricardo Natal, Marcos Natal, and Diego Natal.

Honorary pallbearers are Joaquin and Adam Rodriguez.

Services will be held at Hurley Funeral Home in Pleasanton. Visitation will be on Thursday, April 6, 2023 from 2-9 pm with a prayer service at 7 pm. Funeral service will be at Community Christian Church on Hwy. 16 in Poteet, at 10 am on Friday, April 7, 2023 Interment will be at Reyes Casias Mancha Cemetery on Olivares Lane in Poteet.

In lieu of flowers, you may make a donation to Safer Path Family Violence Shelter 506 W. Adams, Pleasanton, Texas 78064 https://www.saferpathfvs.org/