Raymond Miguel Cruz III

Raymond Miguel Cruz III, 53, of Warsaw, IN passed away unexpectedly November 25, 2023, in Austin, while visiting family in TX. He was born on March 29, 1970, in Lompoc, CA, to Raymond Cruz Jr and the late Valerie E. Cruz.

Ray had a passion for music and the arts. He was a talented bass player, vocalist and keyboardist of an 80’s tribute band 81/89.  He was also a member of the classic rock band, Almost Gone.  He filled in for several other local bands playing bass, guitar, keyboard and vocals.

Ray furthered his love of music in his DJ business, Sonic Memories. He performed at weddings, 4 H functions and local events such as One-Warsaw Celebrating Us, Juneteenth and many more. 

Ray was also known for artistic creativity.  He created many Bob Ross-style paintings and taught this style to others in classes in Warsaw and Columbia City.  Ray also explored several other varieties of painting techniques such as acrylic pours, spray painting and acrylic. His artistic styles also included tie-dying and sewing.  He made hippie hats and made many masks during the COVID outbreak.

Ray had a knack for flying drones capturing breathtaking aerial views. He received his drone pilots license and took drone photos of real estate, created marketing material for local shops and unique photos for his own enjoyment.

In his professional life, Ray worked at Bowen center after completing a degree in health management from Brown Mackie college in Fort Wayne, IN. Rays current occupation was as a lamination specialist at Gulfstream Coach in Nappanee where is worked for over 6 years.

Ray will be deeply missed by his friends and family. He is survived by his father, Raymond Cruz Jr (Linda) San Antonio, TX., siblings: Dina Cruz, Warsaw, IN, Ronda Hill, Hammon, IN, Jim Hill, North Webster, IN, Kim Hill, Syracuse, IN, Robin Snyder (Brian), Kingman, AZ and stepbrother, Kip Biggs (Julie), Surfside, TX, daughter Rayn V. Cruz, Billings, MT, nephew Gavin Konkle, Warsaw IN.  He is also survived by his girlfriend of 10 years, Gay Mullins, Muncie, IN

A celebration of Ray's life will be held at a later date.

All Faiths Funeral & Cremation Service, Austin, TX, is handling arrangements.