Joaquin (Wally) Salazar, 63, of Levelland, Texas passed away from this life on September 7, 2023.
He lost his battle to cancer but gained his wings into the kingdom of heaven. Funeral services are set for Wednesday, September 13, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at the Assembly of God Church on 9th Street in Levelland with Pastor Eddie Chavarria officiating.
Joaquin was born July 31, 1960. He was a great father, son, brother, cousin, and friend. He graduated from Levelland High School in 1978 and attended Golden State Business College for accounting and bookkeeping. Joaquin met Juanita and married her in November of 1984. Together they shared 40 years and four children.
He was known to his friends as “Wally.” Joaquin worked in the oil fields as an inspector for most of his life. After his retirement, he loved to work at the ranch. Joaquin was raised in the church, and this gave him a great love for God. He also loved his family, grandchildren, and friends. When it came to his friends, Joaquin would say, “They are not my friends. They are my soul brothers.” He enjoyed spending time with his soul brothers on trips to the great outdoors. He loved hunting, bowling, playing darts, and pool with his grandsons. He enjoyed barbequing, having good conversations, watching football, drinking cold beer, eating good food, and listening to music at the ranch. Joaquin just absolutely enjoyed life.
Joaquin is preceded in death by his parents Efren Salazar Sr. and Clelia de los Santos Salazar; his son Joshua Nathan Salazar; his brothers Elias Salazar, Efren Salazar Jr., Jesus Salazar, and David Salazar; his sisters Lori Smith and Esther Smith.
Joaquin is survived by his long time companion Juanita Reyna of Levelland; his daughters Jessica Reyna (Gloria Gonzales), Jellica Meza-Morales, and Jalisa Salazar all of Levelland; his son Isaiah Lopez of San Antonio; his sisters Nancy Ancira and Isabel Chapa of Lubbock, Carol Smith of San Antonio, Adelina Salazar of California, Emma Peck (Roger) and Margaret McNeal (Homer “Hood”) of Levelland; his brothers Lupe Salazar of Sundown, Leno Salazar (Nikki) and Robert Smith Jr. of Lubbock; 12 grandchildren: Jason Torres, Vincent Torres, Noah Perez, Tony Gonzales, Malachi Lara, Eiralanna Salazar, Brayson Salazar-Frey, Lilianna Hinojosa, Jeremiah Meza, Joshua Rodriguez, Mattox Garza and Oscar Garza IV; and 4 great grandchildren: Michael Gonzales, Mila Torres, Urial Gonzales, and Jasyah Perez.