Wray Ortiz

On Saturday, February 6, at 3:40 p.m., Wray was welcomed home by the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Jesus Christ.  The God that he lived for and loved with all his heart.  As he entered heaven, he was greeted by his Sister Glenda, Father-In-Law and Mother-In-Law Conce and Porfie Fresquez, Brother-In-Law Jake Fresquez, Sister-In-Law Lucy Fresques, and many other family members and friends.

He is survived by the absolute love of his life, his wife of 47 years, Therisa.  His son and best friend Wray & his wife Regina, whom he loved as a daughter.  His Grandchildren who were his pride and joy Aaron, Amber and Rowan.  His Parents whom he cherished and admired, Art & Olivia.   His Brothers & Sisters-in-Law: Gloria Fresquez, Bobby Fresques, Conce & Shirley Fresquez, Benny & Arlene Fresquez, and Cyndee and Julie Fresquez whom he loved and treated as his own sisters.  He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and special friends that he loved dearly.

Wray had a dynamic personality that attracted people from all walks of life.  He had a way about him that made people feel special.  He was a storyteller, a jokester, a counselor, a confidant, a servant, and a friend to many.

Wray loved life and lived it to its fullest.  He was well known for his passion for classic cars.  He enjoyed attending car events throughout the country while building relationships with other car guys.  1958 was the year that General Motors produced the most beautiful automobiles is what Wray always said. As much as Wray enjoyed his hobbies, his main priorities were God and family.  He never missed an opportunity to share the Word of God with everyone he encountered.  Nor did he ever miss an opportunity to give God glory for everything, every day! He had a heart for the church and the community.

A Special Message From The Pastors

His Pastor, Pastor Barry Trujillo, New Creation - Wray was a mighty man of God and the patriarch of his family.  His unconditional love for his wife was an example of Christ loving His church.  His love for his grandchildren was amazing.  His love for his parents was inspiring.  His love for his friends was genuine.  He was a man who never hesitated to show or express his love for others.  Most importantly, Wray loved Jesus and was willing to do anything for Him.

He was a leader, a mentor, and an encourager.  He was unique, wise, talented, and determined to accomplish his heart's desire.  He was confident, yet humble and so proud to be a child of God.  He was a spokesperson and the best negotiator.  He was a "take charge" kind of guy!  God blessed him with an amazing personality, an abundance of energy, and the sharpest memory!

He was funny, had a great sense of humor, and loved to joke around, however, he was serious about the things of God.  He was a prayer warrior who was attentive to the voice of the Holy Spirit.  He was a servant, generous, thoughtful, and caring.  He did whatever it took to meet the needs of others and fulfill the will of God.  One of his greatest desires was to see the churches in our valley unite and fight the battle together, as the body of Christ.

Wray always encouraged me and pushed me to do things I normally wouldn't do.  We prayed and worshipped God together.  We laughed and cried together.  We cruised our oldies and did the work of the Lord together.  He was my brother in Christ, my faithful friend, my buddy.  We were family!  I am honored to have had him in my life.  I rejoice in knowing that he ran the race set before him and is now in the glorious presence of the Lord.  I loved my brother and I already miss him, a lot!

Wray left all of us with memories that will last forever.  He left a great legacy!  We praise the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. Jesus Reigns!

Pastor Danny Espinosa, El Buen Pastor – Bro. Wray and Therisa were a big part of a great move of God in the Espanola Valley that swept many into God’s kingdom.  His heart was always about seeing genuine revival.  Through every ministry endeavor Wray and Therisa attempted to bring unity to the body of Christ.  I will miss a dear friend, one in a billion that made the valley a wonderful place to live.  I am blessed to have served alongside one of God’s great generals.  His love and compassion touched many and his impact is generational.  I love you Wray. I love you Therisa.

Pastor JD Miera, Victory Faith – I met Wray Ortiz sometime between 1974-75.  The church encountered and mighty move of God and in it subsequently our encounter.  Wray & Therisa were absorbed into that holy move.  That event changed their lives for now and eternity. The ripple effects are vividly visible in most churches in the Valley.  His one focal point and desire was that all Valley Pastors unite under the “Banner of Love.” RIP my brother, I’ll see you in the rapture!

Pastor Dion Cordova, Calvary Chapel - In the journey of life, there are a few God sent people who truly encourage, inspire and influence. Wray was that gift for many of us. His devotion for God, commitment to church and love for our community impacted two generations and set a bar for all of us. I could comment on his pleasant personality, loving demeanor, unselfish generosity and meticulous stewardship. But the characteristic that I most admired was his FRIENDSHIP. I will miss you my dear friend – Until the rapture!

Pastor Isaac Herrera, New Hope - Brother Wray was such an amazing man of God. A constant encourager with an anointing to serve, unite, and generously give of his time, talent, and treasures to God’s Kingdom. If you were discouraged, he provided encouragement. If you were lonely, he provided friendship. If you were sad, he would make you laugh.

He never looked at obstacles… he looked for solutions. He never held a grudge… he was a Peace Maker. (Blessed are the Peace Makers)

Brother Wray was a huge blessing in our spiritual walk, in our personal walk, and in our ministry. I always walked away from conversations with Brother Wray encouraged and filled with an “I can do all things through Christ” attitude… that was the ministry mantle that he was given… to encourage people to draw closer to God.

At this moment I only wish three things…That I could have had a chance to say Goodbye, That I could have told him how much he meant to me, That I could have thanked him for all he did for me, my family, and my ministry… I guess I will have to wait until I join him in Heaven.

Pastor Mike Naranjo, The Rock Christian Fellowship - Wray Ortiz, a servant of the Lord with a bigger than life personality. He lent himself to help our ministry in a time of great challenge. He was instrumental in many ways, giving of himself in establishing Kingdom influence from the center of our city. I am blessed to have journeyed with him for a season. My memories of my brother in Christ are good and joyous. We saw the miraculous take place. I am assured by the Word of the Lord that we will see him soon. He is not dead. Praise you Jesus! May God’s comforting Spirit rest upon all of you that feel the void and pain of his passing. Trust in the Lord.

Pastor Harold Trujillo, Freedom Church, Santa Fe – My Friend, Wray Ortiz, his love for God, his wife Therisa, his son Wray Jr. and his family will be what he will be most remembered for. As for myself, he was a friend.  He was a co-laborer of Jesus Christ.  He helped and inspired many.  As Apostle Paul, he maintained himself to good works for those in the household of God, so was Wray, he was storyteller, we shared many experiences in our travels or simply sitting around a table enjoying good food and fellowship.  He was always caring and attentive.  He will be greatly missed! Lovingly.

Pastor Richard Espinosa, El Buen Pastor - It is my privilege to celebrate the life of Wray Ortiz.  Wray Ortiz came to the cross of Jesus Christ after listening to my radio program and curiously came to El Buen Pastor church in l976, in which both, Wray and Therisa accepted the Lord at that time.

I watched Wray and Therisa grow in the Lord and they both became part of my family.  We enjoyed several vacations with them and many get togethers.  Wray and Therisa became very involved in the church and mentors to others in different area of ministries.  No one was a stranger to Wray.  His enthusiasm for the Lord was contagious and he led others to the Lord. There was never a dull moment when I and others were around him.  I have many memories that I will always cherish and to share them all would take a very long time.  One memory that stands out with me is when we went to a restaurant and the waitress asked Wray how he wanted his steak (meaning well or rare or medium well) and he replied I want it cut in very small pieces.  We all laugh but he had a good sense of humor. To say the least one of the songs we sang when we were together was Hallelujah yo ando con el Wray.

In conclusion I will miss his caring heart that he never missed keeping in touch with me and my family.  Of all my converts Wray was the most grateful of all.  I know that soon we will see each other and reminisce about the life we had together. We will never have to say goodbye but instead say good morning. Philippians 1:21 says, “For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain.” Philippians 3:20, “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.”

Pastor Benito Fresquez, Freedom Church, Austin, TX - Uncle Wray loved God, his family, and the local Church. He gave his life to serving them. He taught me to be Bold with my faith, dream BIG, and give your life to building the Local church. He was Larger than life! He never met a stranger and was so much fun to hang out with. He always had you laughing! Words are inadequate in describing him. He was a Man of God!  No doubt he heard the words “Well done good and faithful servant” from his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We will be worshipping Jesus together soon. We will actually have good voices for the first time. Uncle Wray is the only person I have known with a voice worse than mine. LOL

Pastor Marcos Martinez, New Beginnings Church - My brother Wray, what a blessing you have been to my life, a good friend and faithful Christian. My life, my ministry, has been blessed because of the man of God that you were. We had great accomplishments for the Lord as you always had a way to inspire others, your positive attitude, and your faithfulness got us through. Brother, thanks be to God for a blessed life you and sister Therisa had, to inspire, support, and motivate others, thank you sister Therisa for the support you gave your husband, you have been blessed. Brother thanks for the example you have been to me in your generosity, you have run a good race, you have kept the faith, and now you're in the arms of Jesus. I will always miss you, but I can Praise God for your life that touched so many, may God continue to bless your loved ones. Another faithful man has made it, we will meet again Brother Wray.

Memorial service will held on Saturday, March 6, 2021 at 3:00 p.m. at El Buen Pastor Church in Espanola,  limited seats will be available but you may view the service via live streamed at ebpassembly.com The Family of Wray D. Ortiz has entrusted the care of their loved one to the DeVargas Funeral Home of the Espanola Valley 5057477477www.devargasfuneral.com