CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas —
Dedicated teacher, Army veteran, and longtime leader of the Corpus Christi Veterans Band Ramiro "Ram" Chavez has died.
Chavez' daughter, Viola Chavez Flores, posted on Facebook Monday afternoon that her beloved father, Ramiro "Ram" Chavez gained his angel wings today.
Chavez had been hospitalized since July 19 after complaining of severe pain in his legs. Doctors later determined his cancer had returned.
Flores thanked everyone for their countless prayers, visits, text messages, and overwhelming support they showed to her father.
She added, "From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to Corpus Christi and all of South Texas for loving our father as much as you did. Your kindness, compassion, and prayers have meant more to our family than words can express."
Pastor Steve Coronado, a former student of Chavez, remembered him as someone who shaped lives far beyond the classroom.
"He taught us not only music, but so many lessons in life... He believed in us. He believed in me, and that caused us to strive and work hard and excel, not only in music, but even in life. He was really a great legendary educator, teacher and a great friend," Coronado said.
Nueces County Sheriff J.C. Hooper also reflected on the kind of man Chavez was.
"I used to tell him all the time, 'Dude, you're a music teacher. What made you such a badass?'... Sure, he was artsy. Sure, he was talented to do what he did in the music world but also he was a man's man,"Hooper said.
Hooper described the wide reach of Chavez's impact.
"He touched so many people, not just in the music world, but in the political world, all over the place. He was everywhere, and he was always so friendly, so happy," Hooper said.
Chavez was a war hero and longtime educator who taught at several Corpus Christi Independent School District campuses.
In February 2024, C.C.IS.D. named the band hall at Veterans Memorial High School in his honor.
He leaves behind two daughters, a son, and several grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Janie and his son, Roman Albert.
On behalf of KRIS 6 News and KAJA Telemundo, we offer our condolences to the Chavez family and his many friends.
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