Roy Inez Villarreal

Roy Inez Villarreal

May 3, 1948 - April 1, 2025

Roy Inez Villarreal, beloved husband, father, and community leader, passed away on April 1, 2025 at age 76. Born in Pontiac, Michigan on May 3, 1948, to Maria Rosalez and Inez Villarreal, Roy lived a life marked by service, integrity, and love.

A proud U.S. Army veteran, Roy was a lifelong advocate for migrant farm workers. He worked alongside Cesar Chavez in the 1970s, served as Migrant Council Director in Joliet, Illinois, and later as Regional Director, covering Joliet, Chicago Heights, and Aurora. He led a successful lawsuit against the Campbell Soup Company to defend migrant workers' rights.

Roy moved to South Texas, where he worked for Sears before founding Border Air Conditioning and Heating in 1986. What began with one man and one truck grew into a successful and respected business, earning numerous awards over nearly four decades.

A devoted Christian and proud member of The Bridge Christian Church in Rio Hondo, Roy found joy in fishing, restoring classic cars, and attending car shows. He resided in Donna, Texas for many years before retiring to his peaceful home in Arroyo City.

He is survived by his loving wife, Delia Villarreal; children Roy Jr., Roy I Villarreal III (Isla), Diana Dávila, Eddie Villarreal(Mary), Angela Villarreal-Silva(Basilico), LeeRoy Villarreal (Crystal), Sedalia Villarreal, and Janell Villarreal; sister Rosie Lange Cox; as well as numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews and his beloved pets.

Visitation for Roy Inez Villarreal will take place on Saturday, April 05,2025 from 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Salinas Funeral Home of Weslaco- Chapel of the Heavens. Visitation will continue on Sunday, April 06,2025 from 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM with a Prayer Service at 6:00 PM on both days. As per his wishes, Mr. Roy Inez Villarreal will be cremated at Val Verde Memorial Gardens in Donna at a later date.

Roy was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed. His legacy of faith, family, and service lives on in all who knew him.