Born on June 22, 1944, Richard Manuel Valdez, 74, went home to be with our Lord on October 3, 2018. There to greet him with open arms was his mother, Betty Valdez, father, Benito Valdez Sr., brother, Benito Valdez Jr. and grandsons, Brandon Valdez and Jason Robinson.
Richard is survived by his sons, Rick Valdez and wife Shirley, Matt Valdez and wife Stephanie and daughter, Danielle Davis and husband Shawn. He also leaves behind, his sisters, Mary Ellen, Margaret, Madeline, Gloria and brothers, Raymond and Rudy. Richard has three grandsons, Justin, Bryce and Bailey and three granddaughters, Brittany, Rikki and Emma as well as, nine great- grandchildren, Attyson, Jaiden, Brooklynn, Ashlynn, Josie, Elijah, Terra, Justin Jr. and Lola.
Richard was raised in Tracy where he attended elementary school and graduated from Tracy High in 1962. He began his career in 1966 at Tracy Defense Depot and retired from Sharpe Army Depot in 1998 where he gave 32 years of exceptional service. In 1986 Richard along with his son Rick opened up Creative Images Auto Body & Paint. The shop was able to create some of the top custom paint jobs in the country. Richard was honored to work alongside with the best A team, sons Rick and Matt, and grandsons Justin and Brandon.
Richard enjoyed golfing, bowling, chess and an occasional game of poker. Richard was a member of the Road Deacons car club of Tracy. His greatest times were cruising with his Road Deacon buddies to local car shows to check out each other’s latest creations.
Richard struggled with a lung condition known as sarcoidosis for the last 35 years. Richard never complained about his condition as he accepted it and adapted to each phase of his life. He fought one tough battle that most would have given up on. Richard will be remembered for his zest for life and his unconditional love for family. He will be deeply missed by all who loved him.
P.L. Fry & Son is honored to be serving the Valdez family. A memorial service will be on Sunday, October 21, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. held at P.L. Fry & Son Chapel, 290 N. Union Rd., Manteca, CA. An online guest book is available for condolences to the family at www.plfryandson.com
Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin
Wednesday, October 17, 2018
