Eric Ruiz joined our heavenly family and friends on March 10th, 2023 at the age of 44.

Born on August 23rd, 1978 in Corpus Christi, TX, he was a beloved son, brother, husband, father and friend. He is preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Jacinta Zavala, and paternal grandfather, Santos Ruiz. He is survived by his parents, Roy and Lydia (Zavala) Ruiz; his sister, Jennifer Ruiz; the mother of his children, Lizbeth (Alanis) Ruiz, and their 4 beautiful children, Mariana, Liliana, Royce, and Isabella.

Eric attended W.B. Ray High School and later graduated from the University of Texas San Antonio in 2004 with a degree in Kinesiology. He then followed in his mother's footsteps to become an elementary school PE Coach where he made a huge impact on countless students in schools across Texas including Dawson Elementary in Corpus Christi, McAuliffe Elementary in McAllen, Allison and Govalle Elementary in Austin, and Springhill Elementary in Pflugerville. He was honored as Teacher of the Year as a testament to the countless hours he dedicated to the teaching profession and the impact he had on the lives of so many students.

Eric had a way of drawing people in with his huge smile, dimpled cheeks, and loving heart. He never hesitated to help someone in need, whether a loved one or a complete stranger, and his greatest joy in life was making others laugh. He took great pride in his appearance, setting his own trends, and you could always see him in a pressed shirt with a bold hat and stylish sneakers. He was always athletic, playing every sport imaginable throughout his childhood, and as an adult, he truly enjoyed teaching and coaching his own children in their favorite sports. He also loved to dance, and while he insisted that he hated being the center of attention, you could find him in the middle of any dance circle, hyping up the crowd and bringing joy to everyone around him.

Above all, Eric was a good man. He was a doting father who would do anything for his children, and he loved his friends and family immensely. While his passing has left us with indescribable loss, we are so blessed to have had his love, smile, and unforgettable antics in our lives, and we will carry his memory in our hearts forever.