Raul Q. Espinosa

Raul Q. Espinosa, 84, a longtime resident of Knox City, TX, passed away Thursday, November 3, 2022.  A funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM, Monday, November 7, 2022, at the Santa Rosa Catholic Church, 210 North Ave G, Knox City, TX with Father Francis Chinthamalla officiating.  Burial will follow after the services at the Knox City Cemetery under the direction of Smith Family Funeral Homes.  A rosary is planned from 6-7:00 PM, Sunday, November 6, 2022, at the funeral home, 210 Ave. A, Knox City, TX.

Raul was born December 30, 1937, in Weslaco, TX to Celia (Quintanilla) and Manuel Espinosa.  He married the love of his life, Elvira Pedroza on September 2, 1957, in Benjamin, TX.  He loved Mexican music and work, but more than anything he loved to dance.  Raul and Elvira's first date was at a dance and they danced together for the rest of their lives.  Another one of Raul's favorite thing was to watch Country and Western Movies especially John Wayne (millions of times over and over).  He was a very generous man and was always there for his family.  He never met a stranger and was always there to help.  He worked as a mechanic since the age of 14, he was taught by an uncle, so he could maintain his Dad's trucks used for his business.  In 1962 he started to work as a heavy equipment operator and continued for 20 years or more.  He left his employment to start his own heavy equipment company with his 2 sons, Raul Jr. and Robert and his baby brother Robert in 1982 for 25 years or more.

He is survived by his daughter, Hope Molina and husband Rick of Temple; sons, Raul Espinosa, Jr and wife Stephanie of San Antonio; and Robert Espinosa and wife Sandy of Knox City; daughters, Martha Alderete and husband Daniel of Taylor, Alma Flores husband John of Slaton, Carmen Richards and husband Mark of San Antonio; fifteen grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; two brothers, Rosendo Espinosa and wife Alycia of California, Robert Espinosa and wife Santos of Knox City; two sisters, Emma Casillas and husband Joe of California, and Elva Aleman and husband Daniel of Garland; numerous nieces and nephews; and other family members.

He is preceded in death by his parents; Celia and Manuel Espinosa; wife Elvira Pedroza Espinosa; daughter, Diana Espinosa; granddaughter, Renee Hernandez; two brothers, Manuel Espinosa Jr. and wife Hortencia, Juan Espinosa and wife Stephana; two sisters, Ermina Sosa and husband Salvador, Eva Losoya and husband Lupe; two brothers-in-law, Joe Casillas and Daniel Aleman.

Online condolences can be shared with the family at www.smithfamilyfh.com .