Rafael Davila Jr, 78 of Corpus Christi, Texas, fought his last round on June 9, 2026. He passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family and friends. Born on April 1st, 1948, in Corpus Christi, Texas, he was the child of the late Rafael and Dolores Davila. He graduated from Roy Miller High School in 1966. He went on to enlist in the United States Air Force in 1968 where he served in the states and Vietnam then remained at the Corpus Christi Army Depot for 30 years before retiring in 2000 to attend to his family and his passion for boxing. In 1971, he married Maria Magallanez and together they shared 55 beautiful years of marriage. Outside of work, Rafael loved boxing, he was a proud and respected volunteer, coach, mentor, referee, official, coordinator, teacher, and father figure to the Corpus Christi Boxing Community. He was deeply involved in the boxing area throughout Corpus Christi, Texas, and the United States. He will be forever remembered for his passion for helping others and his fighting spirit. His friends and family are beyond proud of all his life accomplishments. He truly lived a beautiful life.

Rafael is survived by his loving wife Maria M. Davila. Along with his children Denise Olvera, Rafael Davila III, Melissa Pimentel (Israel), Miguel Angel Davila (Rose Mary). Rafael was most proud of his grandchildren, his angels “Angelitos”, Nicole Villareal (Michael), Israel Pimentel Jr., Amber Olvera, Lawrence Davila, Madison Pimentel, Esteban Pimentel, and Timothy Davila. And 4 beautiful great grandchildren, Isabella Olvera, Everly Olvera, Malcolm Villarreal, and Mars Villarreal.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Rafael and Dolores Davila, his sister Manuela “Maime” Tamez, his brother Hector Davila, his nieces Taylor Magallanez, Lilly A. Gonzales and Evelyn Gonzales, and his grandchild Daniel Aaron Olvera.

The Pallbearers: Rafael Davila III, Israel Pimentel, Miguel Angel Davila, Michael Villarreal, Israel Pimentel Jr., Lawrence Davila, Esteban Pimentel, and Timothy Davila.

Funeral Services:

Location: Guardian Funeral Home

Monday, June 22, 2026

Public Visitation: 4pm

Holy Rosary: 6pm

Continued visitation:

Tuesday, June 23, 2026 at 9am

Location: Guardian Funeral Home

Funeral Mass: 

Tuesday, June 23, 2026 at 11:30am

Location: Most Precious Blood Catholic Church

3205 Saratoga Blvd, Corpus Christi, Texas 78415

Interment: 1pm

Coastal Bend State Veterans Cemetery

With full military honors