Joseph 'Ray' Valdez

Joseph “Ray” Valdez of Albuquerque went to be home with the Lord on January 9, 2023 at 4:45pm in the comfort of his home.

He was born December 14, 1940, in Taos, New Mexico to the late Jose “Manuel” and Azucena Valdez. He attended Toas High School where he was very athletic and played many sports. He later attended the New Mexico State University studying Mechanical Engineering and played football.

Ray had a passion for martial arts earning a 5^th degree black belt in Shorin-ryu Okinawan Karate. He spent 35 years teaching the art of Shorin-ryu Okinawan Karate to people in the Taos and Albuquerque community.

He was preceded in death by his wife Josephine Valdez, parent’s Jose “Manuel” and Azucena Valdez, his siblings Carlos Valdez, Fernando Valdez, Dollie Valdez Mondragon, Cecilia Valdez Sandoval, Rita Valdez Romero, and grandson Matthew Anaya. He is survived by his siblings Rich Dickie Valdez, and Rosalie Valdez Romero, his children Elizabeth (Edward) Mier, Joseph (Kasha), John Manuel (Elaine), Patricia (George) Anaya, Joseph “Ray” (Janice), David (Sofia). He is further survived by his 16 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, nieces, nephews’ other relatives and many friends.