Rudolfo “Rudy” Rey Esparza, of Ralls, Texas, was welcomed into the arms of our Lord Jesus Christ on February 1, 2026, at the age of 83. He was born on January 4, 1943, in Imperial, Texas, to his loving parents, Roman and Genoveva (Rey) Esparza.
Rudy grew up in Ralls, Texas—a place he proudly called home. He graduated from Ralls High School, home of the Ralls Fighting Jackrabbits, where he was an athlete in many sports and proudly wore #40 on his football jersey. One of his favorite Friday night traditions was watching high school football on the same field where he had played years before. Rudy faithfully supported his children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews in every sport they played. He was always there. He always showed up.
Rudy served in the United States Army Reserves for six years and deeply loved his country.
He built a successful career as a salesman, working for R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company for many years before retiring as a Territory Sales Manager with O’Reilly Auto Parts. He took great pride in his work and in the relationships he built along the way, forming many lifelong friendships.
Above all else, Rudy was a family man. He was deeply devoted to his children and shared an especially close bond with his grandsons. They spent countless hours together, filled with endless teasing and a bond built on trust and laughter. He was their confidant and their buddy, just as they were his. They were friends in the purest sense, and time spent with them brought him his greatest joy.
Rudy was a devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who cherished his family deeply. He leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and dedication that will be remembered by all who knew him. He will be remembered for his sense of humor, generosity, strength, storytelling, and for the way he made those around him feel loved. He was adored by his children and his family. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
He is survived by his daughter, Amy White and her husband, Jeff, of Prosper, Texas; sons, Max Esparza and wife Lupita of Fort Worth, Texas, and David Esparza of Chihuahua, Mexico; grandson, Matthew Cavazos and wife Katie of Celina, Texas; grandsons Jerrek Esparza and Jordan Esparza; and their mother Rachel Womack of Pleasanton, California; great-granddaughter, Charlotte Rose Cavazos of Celina, Texas; great-grandson, Archie James Cavazos of Celina, Texas; former wife, Maria Guerrero of Amarillo, Texas; brothers, Cruz Esparza and Ernest Esparza (Paula), of Lubbock, Texas, Edmond Esparza (Ana Berta) and Ricardo Esparza (Josie), of Amarillo, Texas, and Edward Esparza (Linda) of Lubbock, Texas; sisters, Virginia Torres (Felix) and Amelia Luna, of Ralls, Texas; nieces and nephews, of whom were ALL his favorite, and numerous other loving family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Roman and Genoveva (Rey) Esparza; brothers, Manuel Esparza, Roman Esparza Jr. and surviving wife Santos, Salvador Esparza; sisters, Belia Tovar and Ofelia Martinez.
A Rosary will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, February 13, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 14, both at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, 1200 4th Street, Ralls, Texas 79357. Interment will follow at Ralls Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Ralls High School Athletics: Ralls Independent School District, Attn: Athletic Department, 1082 4th Street, Ralls, Texas 79357.