John Reyes

John Reyes 6/19/1940 – 11/21/2020

John (Juan) Reyes born June 19th, 1940 son of Juan D. Reyes, Jr and Isabel Gomez Reyes.

John is preceded in death by his twin brother Jessie Reyes, sisters Annieand Minnie, brothers Willie and Nick Reyes.

John is survived by his brother Joe and sister Maria; three sons and his daughters-in-law John Reyes and Leticia Reyes, Tim and Lisa Reyes, and Mike Reyes; eleven grandchildren Christine, Alexis-Jade, Annie, Robin, Summer, Sebastian, Michael, Timmy, Katarina, Isa, Paris; and eight great-grandchildren David, Gabbi, Erika, Eli, Barrett, Baylor, Kyrie, Naomi, and Alina.

John was born in a small house in Cameron, Texas, and spent his youth in Amarillo. John later started a family of his own in California. Johneventually made his way back to Texas, where he opened two successfulrestaurants in Dallas: Russell’s at Inwood Center and Der Michael’s at Mockingbird Station. When asked, John said there were many happy memories in his life, but some of his fondest memories were during his teenage years where he aspired to be a singer like Nat King Cole. Heloved playing in the family band and entering dance contests and talent shows. If anyone really knew John, they knew he was a great cook and even better dancer - with the stamina to dance all night. At an early age John did not follow the normal path of a teenager, but rather, took a job in construction making $2.00 an hour with his older brother Willie to help provide for his mother and siblings. John always said his greatest joy was the birth of his three boys and the love that they shared with each other. In conversation, it was normal for John to boast about how he was so blessed to have an amazing family that took such good care of him. John enjoyed life to the fullest and fought hard to survive a liver and kidney transplant and heart and hip surgery. John had a passion for helping those in need and enjoyed volunteering by preparing meals for the community and spending time with his friends at the Roanoke senior center. John said that he was truly happy in his later years. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends. John asked that he be remembered that he knew he had a blessed life and tried his best to be a good person and friend to all he met.