SMILEY– John Cruz Dominguez, 95, of Smiley, Texas, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on July 31, 2025. He was born on December 26, 1929, in Gillette, Texas, to Jesus Dominguez and Casianna Cruz Dominguez.
John attended school in Smiley, where he met the love of his life, Rachel. They were married on August 26, 1951, and celebrated 71 years of marriage in 2022. Together, they raised a loving family, beginning with their first daughter Josie, followed by twins Lisa and Yorly, and later Mary Lou, Norma, and Sylvia.
On October 25, 1959, John joined the United States Army at Fort Bliss. After his service, he worked as a truck driver and later as a supervisor for 18 years at Gonzales Poultry Company. Upon retirement, he launched his own produce delivery business, serving customers across South Texas.
John was a man of deep love and responsibility, values he instilled in his children. He cherished Saturday afternoons spent BBQ-ing and Saturday nights watching wrestling. Among the many family memories was raising his granddaughter Teran as one of his own and taking cherished vacations to Arizona to visit cousins.
A hardworking man, John ran a large hog farm and raised calves, chickens, goats, and roosters. One memorable story involved a feisty rooster that left his grandson Kevin with a cut on his forehead—needless to say, that was the last of “Mr. Bad Rooster.”
Above all, John was a man of faith. He spoke often of Jesus Christ, encouraging his family to open their hearts to Him. His spiritual legacy remains a guiding light for those he leaves behind.
John is survived by his children: Elisa Douglas, Violanda Villasana, Mary Lou Rhodes (Dennis), Norman Chaffin (Chris), Sylvia Aleman, and Teran Dominguez; grandchildren: Terry, Shanda, Michelle, Raquel, Michael, Kevin, Kody, Nicholas, Ashton, Dillon, and Francesca; and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and extended family.
He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Rachel Dominguez; daughter, Josie Dominguez; grandson, Mark Medina; and sons-in-law Lonnie Douglas and Mike Villasana.
Services
- Visitation was held on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Finch Funeral Chapel – Nixon.
- Funeral Service took place on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Finch Funeral Chapel – Nixon.
- Interment followed at Smiley Latin Cemetery in Smiley, Texas.
John’s life was a testament to love, faith, and family. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.