Juan Cruz Valdez was born on February 1, 1952, in Poteet, Texas, to Cornelio E. Valdez and Marcelina R. Alaniz. He went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Friday, April 17, 2026, at the age of 74.

Juan was raised in Poteet alongside his two older brothers, Pete and Luis, and his younger sister, Lucy. At the age of three, he lost his father and was lovingly raised by his mother, to whom he remained deeply devoted throughout his life. He often spoke of missing her strength and affection after her passing.

A gentle man with a courageous spirit, Juan was the great-great-grandson of Alamo defender Gregorio Esparza, who gave his life as a cannoneer at the battle of the Alamo on March 6, 1836. He was proud of his gunslinger heritage and Texas roots.

From a young age, Juan was athletic and enjoyed running, baseball, and fishing. After graduating from Poteet High School, he attended San Antonio College, where he earned an associate degree in political science. Together with his then-wife Linda Sanchez, they built a full and vibrant family life and he was the proud father of six children—three sons and three daughters.

A defining moment in Juan's life came when he attended a Jimmy Swaggart conference in San Antonio. There, he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, describing the experience as feeling like he was "walking on a cloud." From that day forward, his life was marked by a deep love for God's Word and a passion for sharing his faith. He faithfully witnessed to others, including his beloved mother, who came to faith, as well as many family members and people in his community.

Known by many as a "walking Bible," Juan had an extraordinary knowledge of Scripture and the gift of faith. He prayed bold prayers with anyone, anywhere, and was a constant source of encouragement. His love for Jesus was evident in every aspect of his life, and he never missed an opportunity to share that love with others.

In 2022, Juan experienced a lifelong dream when he traveled overseas to the Holy Land. There, he walked in the footsteps of Jesus, sailed on the Sea of Galilee, worshiped in Bethlehem, prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, visited the empty tomb, stood on the Mount of Olives, and was baptized in the Jordan River—an experience he cherished deeply.

Juan also enjoyed playing billiards, often running the table with ease. At home, he was known for preparing delicious caldo and beans, though he humbly insisted they were nothing special. He loved mariachi music, dancing, barbecuing, and having a good time. He had a sharp wit and a wonderful sense of humor, always ready with a one-liner to make others laugh.

Juan will be remembered as a devoted and courageous Christian; a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents; Cornelio Valdez and Petra Esparza Valdez; Gerardo Alaniz and Cruz Rodriguez Alaniz; father Cornelio E. Valdez, mother Marcelina Alaniz Valdez, brother, Pete Valdez and nephew, Fabian Valdez.

He is survived by his brother Luis Valdez of Jourdanton, TX; sister Lucy Delgado Cortines of San Antonio, TX; daughter Tammy Luna (Raymond) of Pleasanton, TX; daughter Monica Buehler (Bryan) of San Antonio, TX; son John Cruz Valdez, Jr. of San Antonio, TX; daughter Alma Miller (Reagan) of Spring Branch, TX; son Geraldo Valdez (Leela) of La Vernia, TX; son Jacob Valdez (Rachel) of Helotes, TX; and their mother Linda Lopez of Pleasanton, TX; grandchildren Andrea Pickett (Kyle), Allisa Gonzalez (David), Sydney Garcia (Johnathan), Marcus Prado (Cynthia), Mariah Prado, Ethan Benavides, Isaiah, Lilianna, Jaylyn, Caylee, and Anaiya Valdez, Zoe Miller, Mason Miller, Arianna Reid (Charles), Akayla Soliz (Jarren), Joshua Miller, Jakalyne Rodriguez, Clarisa, Averylynn, Tobias, and Nicodemus Valdez, Kaydence, Windsor, Declan, and Leighton Valdez; great grandchildren Paisley Parks, Christian and Joshua Valadez, Elia and Manuel Prado, Ilynaya and D'Angelo Valdez, Daniel Valdez, Jordan Valdez, Evyn, Kayzlee, Adelynn, and Sophya Reyes, Griffin, Cullen, and Theodore Reid, Juni and Josiah Trevino; and numerous nephews and nieces.

Services will be held Monday, May 4, 2026 at Hurley Funeral Home, starting with a visitation at 10:30 am followed by a celebration of life at 11:30 am.  Inurnment to follow at St. Luke Catholic Cemetery.