GALVESTON, TX— Elias "Eli" Ramirez Reyna Jr., age 70, beloved father/Pops, Popo, and son, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, May 2nd, 2024. He passed away peacefully at his residence with his children and family by his side. A Memorial Service will be held at 3:00p.m. Saturday, May 18, 2024, at Carnes Brothers Funeral Home in Galveston followed by a Celebration of Eli's Life at the Knights of Columbus Hall 1912 Winnie Street Galveston, TX.

Eli, the son of Elias "George" and Ramona Reyna, was born October 10, 1953, in Victoria, Texas. Eli grew up in Galveston and spent many summers in Victoria with his brothers, cousins, Tia's and Tio's who loved their Hijto. Eli was a proud graduate of Ball High School, Class of 1973. At Ball High he wore the #42 playing football and also ran track. Eli was an extremely hard-working man who provided for his family. He pursued a career at Union Carbide where he furthered his education to become a Machinist and eventually retired with DOW.

Eli built a life with his former wife Martha and was blessed with three beautiful children Elias "Lil Eli" III 1974, Dianna "Cha-Chi" 1979 and Alfredo "Al" 1981 whom he loved unconditionally. He was a devoted dad, always cheering on his children in every accomplishment or milestone they completed in their lives whether big or small. He coached and encouraged his children in every sport or extracurricular activity they participated in, and pushed them to be the best. Eli was very PROUD of his Reyna Children whom he raised to be STRONG and to never be quitters. He instilled a lot of strength and wisdom into his children and to never forget who they are, a "REYNA".

Eli was promoted to PoPo when his first grandchild was born Destiny "Pookie" in 1996, followed by his first grandson Sebastian "Seb" in 2000, second grandson Adrian in 2002 and his third grandson Damian in 2008. He loved his Pookie and Reyna Boys. He was very proud of them and loved them dearly.

Eli always loved to look good, dress good and smell good with his cologne. He enjoyed many things in life, from his love of storytelling, dancing, playing men's slow pitch softball, cooking and barbequing (he made the best beans and brisket). He enjoyed spending time with friends and family while jamming his Tejano or Soul Music. He enjoyed smoking a nice smooth cigar while sipping Crown. He knew exactly how to make everyone laugh and feel just like family. He loved watching the Green Bay Packers, Houston Astros, Rockets and Texans.

Eli was a strong proud man and will be deeply missed by his children, grandchildren and family. His legacy will continue to live on through his children and grandchildren. His wonderful memories he shared with us will continue to live on in the hearts of his entire family and friends.

Eli is preceded in death by his dad, Elias "George" Reyna, brother, Eloy Reyna Sr., grandmother, Paula Garcia, grandfather Natividad Steve Reyna, aunt, Pilar "Pauline" Villarreal, uncle Steve Reyna, uncle, Daniel Reyna, grandfather, Sylvester Ramirez, grandmother Ramonita Ramirez, uncle, Alfred Ramirez, uncle Johnny Ramirez, aunt, Lucy Hernandez, aunt, Minnie Allen, father-in-law, Jose Rios, mother-in-law Elvira Rios, brother-in-law Johnny Rios, son-in-law Robert "Nuno" Valdez Sr.

He is survived by his mother, Ramona Reyna, former wife Martha Rios-Branson (mother of his children), son, Elias Reyna III and wife Griselda, daughter, Dianna Reyna-Valdez, son Alfredo "Al" Reyna. His grandchildren Sebastian "Seb" Reyna, Adrian Reyna, Damian Reyna, Destiny Reyna, Robert Valdez Jr. and great-grandson Robert "Bobby" Valdez III.

He is additionally survived by his brother, George Reyna (Dolores), sister-in-law Barbara Reyna, sisters-in-law, Ana Jaramillo (Tony) and Leticia Sablan, brothers-in-law Ruben Rios, Larry Rios (Diane), Marco Rios and Jose Rios. He also has many uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

The family would like to give a special warm felt thank you to the nurses and doctors who cared for him. A special thank you to Eli's caretakers Martha, Mary and his niece Yvette for being compassionate and always ensuring he was cared for.