A Funeral Mass for Raymond “Pops” Gallegos, 72, of Palestine, Texas are scheduled for 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 20, 2014 at St. Edwards Catholic Church in Athens with Father Pancras Savarimuthu officiating. Interment will follow at Indian Creek Cemetery in Palestine, Texas.
Raymond Gallegos went to be with his Lord and made his last ride into the sunset, on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2014 in Tyler, Texas.
Raymond was born in Espirito Santo, Zacatecas, Mexico on Sept. 22, 1941 to Concepcion and Justina Gallegos. Raymond married Mattie Townley on Sept. 26, 1960 in Corsicana, Texas. From this 53-year union they raised two daughters of their own Diana, and Lana. In the early years he was a rancher, who went on to work for and retire from Getty Oil. He worked for Brushy Creek Timber Co/ White Capital Management at the time of his passing. Raymond, often said that working for Mr. White was one of his greatest pleasures in life. Many will remember him as a cowboy and one of the greatest horsemen of our time. The plain spoken legend always had time to help anyone who wanted to learn about horses, ranching, and life in general. His greatest joys in life where his grandchildren, helping others, spending time in the roping pen, and every minute spent with Mattie.
He is preceded in death by his parents Concepcion and Justina Gallegos; brothers Miguel Gallegos, Manuel Gallegos, Donaciano Gallegos, and Jose Gallegos.
He is survived by his wife Mattie Gallegos; daughters Diana Johnson and Michael Wheeler, Lana Walters and her husband Vance Walters; grandchildren Jordan Johnson, Lindsey Walters, Peyton Walters, Morgan Johnson, Jerett Walters and Kendall Wheeler; sisters Belen Adame, Maria Feaster, Margarita Rebeles and her husband, Baltazar: sister in laws Margarita Gallegos, Julia Gallegos; and numerous nieces and nephews and many friends, including his constant companions, Zack and Max.
Pallbearers will be James Whatley, Gary Almon, Rex Foster, Tim Conrad, Sebastian Landeverde, Will Brownlow. Honorary pallbearers will be Scott Cotton, Mickey McCain, Bruce Barrett.
Visitation will be at the Hannigan Smith Funeral Home Chapel, Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2014 from 6-8 p.m. A Rosary service will be held at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2014 at the Hannigan Smith Funeral Home Chapel.
Services were entrusted to the Hannigan Smith Funeral Home Family.
You may light a candle or write a condolence to the family on www.hannigansmith.com.
So sorry for your loss. He was a great man and taught me alot. I will never forget a riding lesson he gave me chasing me and my horse around the arena with a PVC pipe. May he rest in peace. God bless you all. My prayers and thoughts are with you
I’m so sorry to hear of Raymond’s passing. My heart hurts for all of you. I learned so much from him and I’m sure I wouldn’t still have horses and the desire to show today if it hadn’t been for him. Your in my prayers. Love to you all.