Jose Ayala, Jr.

Jose Ayala, Jr. 77, passed away Thursday, October 13, 2022 in Abilene.  Inurnment will be Friday, October 21st at 2:00pm in the Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Abilene. 

Jose was born in Tahoka, TX to Jose Ayala, Sr. and Frances Lozano Salazar on October 17, 1945.  He graduated from Ector High School in Odessa in 1963.  He married Victoria Estrada on February 24, 1990 in Abilene.  He served in the United States Marine Corp. from 1963 to 1984.  The medals he received while serving was the Air Medal Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Unit Commendation, National Defense Service Medal, Republic Notorious Unit Citation, Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, Republic of Vietnam Campaign, Combat Ari Crew Insignia, Good Conduct Medal Armed Forces Expeditionary & Good Conduct Medal of Period Consensus.   After retiring from the Marines he worked as a security guard at McMurry University & Allied Universal Security from 1990 – 2021 He also worked for Mrs. Bairds and Abilene Independent School District.  He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church.  When he was little he served as an Alter Boy. 

Jose was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Albert Ayala, sisters, Francisca Ayala, Antonia Perez, Lynda Sheene, Guadalupe Villareal, Many Mesqueta & Tillie Ayala. 

He is survived by his wife Victoria Estrada Ayala, Daughters, Jody Sue Ayala, Tara Jane Ayala.  Stepchildren, Isidora Mendez, Jr., Elida Mendez, Gerarda Liman, Ellisa Liman.  Siblings, Connie Martinez, Josie Garcia, Maorga Hope Hendrix, Lydia Guererro & Pete Ayala.