Rafael “Ralph” “Rafa” Sánchez

Rafael “Ralph” “Rafa” Sanchez, beloved husband, father, and friend passed away Monday, August 21, 2023 in Dallas, Texas surrounded by his wife, Ina, his three children, Chealsie, Kristi, and Chris, and his nephew, Ariel Sanchez. He was 67 years old.

Ralph was born on July 4th, 1956 in San Juan de Díos, Michoacán, Mexico to Ascensíon Sánchez and María Lemus; he was the fifth of 12 siblings. His strong work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit developed at an early age in Mexico where one of his first jobs was selling gelatina that he would make each morning from fresh fruit.

His sense of adventure never ended. He ventured to the United States at the age of 17 to claim a piece of the American Dream for himself. He embraced the American spirit and spent a year traveling across the US in a van listening to Steve Miller Band, Creedence Clearwater Revival and Willie Nelson. He eventually found his way to Dallas, Texas which is where he would spend the rest of his life.

Ralph met the love of his life, Mary “Ina”  Isabel Rodriguez at church in Dallas. He told her right away that he was going to marry her and 6 months later they wed on November 29th, 1981. Soon after they had two beautiful daughters, Chealsie Jeanine Sanchez (Tinajero) and Kristina Jasmin Sanchez.

He began his career in the automotive industry and became a master engine technician and learned the business of automotive engine rebuilding while he worked at Sun Engines and City Motor Supply. Soon after, in 1990, he opened his own business, Lone Star Engine in East Dallas. Ralph and Mary poured all their energy into the family business. Lone Star became more than a business- it became a community and second family for everyone who came through. This is where he formed lifelong friendships with his mechanics, delivery drivers, mailmen, the homeless, police officers, and customers that endured until his very last day.

Ralph loved to visit the junkyard on Sunday mornings looking for parts for the many classic cars he owned and restored. He was always joking, making friends wherever he went and giving everyone their own nickname. In 2006, his first grandson, Micah Alexander Sanchez was born and he then became a loving grandfather- raising Micah as one of his own until his very last day.

Ralph is survived by his wife of 41 years, Mary “Ina”, his daughters Chealsie and her husband Robert, Kristi and her husband Tony, and his two sons Chris and Joseph. Ralph fiercely loved his five grandchildren: Micah (17), Chris Jr. (15) Robbie (6), Rafaela Sanchez (4), and Ezra Sanchez-Tinajero (1.5).

Services will be at Wayne Boze Funeral Home in Waxahachie, Texas. Visitation is Friday, September 1st from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm and the funeral service will take place on Saturday, September 2nd at 11:00 am. 

If you wish to express sympathy in lieu of flowers, consider making a donation to the Diabetes Action Research and Education Foundation in tribute to Rafael Sanchez.