Willie Ramirez Alcala

Willie R. Alcalá passed away peacefully on January 14, 2025. 

Willie was born in Amarillo, Texas on June 25, 1932, to his parents Cruz and Maria Alcalá. He attended school at Our Lady of Guadalupe for some years and went on to graduate from Amarillo High School. 

Willie was a Korean Combat Veteran, a proud member of the Army and through his acts of service he had many achievements. After leaving the military he worked for the Santa Fe Railroad Company for many years. He then decided to become an entrepreneur, opening his own business as a professional carpenter. 

One of his favorite things to do was work with his hands; painting, crafting, and woodworking being some of his passions. Never idle, he was always looking for something to do. He enjoyed creating things for his family, including beautiful trophy cases. 

Willie was “Chicano” all the way, he loved his Tejano music and dancing. He was an avid fan of sports, the Dallas Cowboys and the Texas Rangers, as well as boxing. Another passion of his was cooking, especially Menudo, which all his grandkids loved. 

Willie was a parishioner of St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church and Our Lady of Guadalupe. He was very involved, serving as an usher and helping out anywhere he could. 

He is preceded in death by his parents Cruz and Maria Alcalá; son Phillip Alcalá; 5 sisters; 1 brother and grandson Jono Griego. 

Those left behind to cherish his memory are his 2 sons Nick and wife Vivian Alcalá, Frankie Alcalá, and daughter Veronica Guillen. 8 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren, and many friends in the barrio.