CONFIRMED: Rafael Lopez, Veteran, US Army (45-26) 18 Mar 26
7735 Gibbs Sprawl Rd
San Antonio, TX 78239
USA
US ARMY VETERAN
The family of Mr. Rafael Lopez, a US Army Veteran, requests the presence and participation of the San Antonio Patriot Guard at the services, and the LEO supported procession, and graveside rendering of military honors of their loved one. We are honored to accept this invitation.
Rafael (Ralph) Angel Lopez, 63 years old, of San Antonio, Texas, passed away surrounded by his loved ones on March 9, 2026. He was born on September 15, 1962, at Rodriguez U.S. Army Hospital, Fort Buchanan, Puerto Rico, to Victor Luis Lopez – Diaz and Ana Celia Rivera Quintana.
Ralph graduated from Cole High School in 1980 and went on to serve his country in the United States Army as a Military Police officer for three years, followed by three years of honorable service in the Army Reserve. During his service, he was stationed overseas in Germany and stateside at Fort Hood, TX, during which he achieved the rank of Specialist Four. Ralph earned honors including the Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Expert Marksman, and Good Conduct Medal. After his military service, Ralph began his 38-year career at Big Red-7UP Bottling Company, where he served as an Operations Manager, and was known for his strong work ethic and dedication to helping others.
Ralph married the love of his life, Carmen Canedo Lopez, on September 3, 1994. Together, they built a loving home and raised two children, Rico Ray Lopez and Sophia Alexis Lopez, that he was proud of and loved. He is survived by his wife, Carmen; his children, Rico, and Sophia; and his siblings, Victor Luis Lopez (Alma), Luis Angel Lopez (Jacqueline), and Maria Socorro Lopez (Archie). He was preceded in death by his parents, Victor Luis Lopez – Diaz, and Ana Celia Lopez – Rivera.
In his free time, he enjoyed taking motorcycle rides to small Texas towns on his Honda Goldwing with his loving wife, Carmen. Ralph was also passionate about cars, spending lots of time attending car shows while always showing up in a fresh ride of his own. He was a proud and loud Puerto Rican with a no filter sense of humor and was the life of the party, no matter the occasion. He loved and enjoyed the beautiful outdoors by spending days at the beach, going on an overlanding adventure in his Excursion, or just enjoying a cold beer on the front porch with his family. When not outdoors, he found joy in murder mystery shows, shooting pool in the patio with freestyle music playing, or cheering on the Tennessee Titans.
Ralph was a wonderful provider with an unwavering devotion to his family, loved by his wife and children, extended family, and friends. He was a practical, no-nonsense man who valued honesty and hard work. He will be remembered for his sense of humor, acts of kindness, character, and quiet strength. His presence will be deeply missed, but his memory will live on in the hearts of all those he touched.
WEATHER: Hi 79 / Lo 54, 0 % Chance of Rain, 86 % Humidity, Wind: 3 mph SSE
REQUESTOR: Rico Lopez, Son
STAGING: 8:30 am, Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Chapel Hill Funeral Home
7735 Gibbs Sprawl Road
San Antonio, Texas 78239
https://goo.gl/maps/PvVo4T8zJinRcD1q6
BRIEFING: 8:45 am
HONOR LINE: 9:00 am
**THIS IS A MOTORCYCLE ESCORT ONLY. NO CAGES PLEASE
KSU: 9:15 am (Semper Gumby)
**THE CAGES WILL MEET AT THE SHELTER IN FORT SAM HOUSTON NATIONAL CEMETERY
INTERMENT: 9:45 am – Shelter #3 (Call to Verify)
Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery
1520 Harry Wurzbach Road
San Antonio, Texas 78209
https://goo.gl/maps/kQ68VALuUAptXpgS9
RC: Tom “Tom Cat” Wilson
tomcatwilson2019@gmail.com
FC: Alice “Cake Lady” Wagener
hwagener@sbcglobal.net
ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS
1. Iron horses if you can, cages are always welcome and appreciated and unless under special circumstances not allowed in processions. You do not have to have a motorcycle to participate in honoring our veterans.
2. Safety First: Please remember to properly hydrate (including the night before) before any outdoor activity and to dress appropriately. Do not hesitate to take a break at any time if you feel you need to get in the shade or get indoors and always ask for help at any time. Also please do not forget your sun screen.
3. Please remember that our mission is to stand tall and silent, and with honor and. NO TALKING, SMOKING, CHEWING OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS, OR CELL PHONE USE IN THE FLAG LINE!
***Safety Notice***
Before volunteering and/or attending any San Antonio Patriot Guard Riders missions we encourage you to review all safety information below. Included are some potential safety concerns to be aware of, however this does not include the full scope of all potential hazards. Anyone attending any San Antonio Patriot Guard Riders mission understands that they do so at their own risk. Neither the Patriot Guard Riders Organization nor its representatives are liable for any damages incurred on any PGR mission or event.
Funeral Processions/Escorts
EVERY RIDER IS SOLELY RESPONSIBLE for their own safety at all times while riding in a funeral procession.
At NO TIME are any riders authorized to block any intersection or otherwise block or impede traffic laws in any way. Only Law Enforcement officials are authorized to block and/or impeded the lawful flow of traffic.
If you choose to fly a Flag on your bike you are SOLELY RESPONSIBLE for ensuring it is secured and not a danger to any other rider or traffic.
Warm Regards,
Bob “Pizza Man” Johnson
Asst. State Captain
Deputy State Captain
San Antonio Patriot Guard
Dignity, Honor, Respect
Cell: 562-413-2223
“We can’t all be heroes. Some of us get to stand on the curb and clap as they go by.”
Will Rogers