Francisco Ruiz Herrera's Obituary
Francisco Ruiz Herrera, age 93, passed away peacefully on March 17, 2026. He was born on January 11, 1933, in Córdoba, Spain.
At the young age of 13, Francisco was sent to work in a small village, where he lived and labored to help support himself. Despite very limited opportunities, he was determined to learn. Through his own hard work, he earned enough money to receive private tutoring, teaching himself how to read and write. Largely self-taught, he carried that determination and resilience with him throughout his life.
He later served one year in the Spanish military before beginning a lifelong career in the hospitality industry.
Francisco’s journey led him to Scotland, where he met Patricia, the love of his life, on Princess Street. Though they were eleven years apart in age, their love was undeniable. They were married in 1959 and built a life centered on love, sacrifice, and family.
He was a devoted father to his two daughters, Gina Tamez, who passed away in June 2024 and surviving Spouse Renato, and Angie Goss, and Spouse Leslie Goss who survives him
He leaves behind a legacy through his beloved grandchildren: Derek Goss, spouse Kelly Goss, Jessica Flores spouse Oscar Flores, Rosie Sanchez spouse Elija Sanchez , Romelia Tamez Ricky Tamez , Jesse Tamez spouse Amanda Tamez and Eddie Tamez along with his spouse Angelica Tamez and his cherished great-grandchildren: Emery, Noah, Abel, Kennedy, Addilyn, Reina, Ricky, Corporan, Aubrey, Jaden, and Zander.
Francisco spent his life working in the hotel industry as a waiter. After moving his family to the United States when his daughters were just six and eight years old, he worked at the Fairmont Hotel for nearly a decade. His journey to America was one of his greatest accomplishments—arriving with only a suitcase and a dream, he worked tirelessly to provide a beautiful life for his family.
After retiring from the hotel industry, he proudly opened his own restaurant, Francisco’s, in Dallas, Texas in 1979, which he owned and operated for over five years. It was a small restaurant that reflected his love for food, service, and bringing people together.
As a grandfather, “Papa” created countless special memories. He often took his grandchildren swimming at Eastgate in Garland, moments they will treasure forever.
Francisco loved soccer—always calling it football—and never missed watching wrestling on Friday nights. He had a deep love for history and could often be found sharing stories about different countries and cultures.
He was a proud man who believed deeply in hard work and carried himself with dignity. He always dressed sharp, making sure he was noticed whenever he entered a room. Though he could be stubborn at times, he was also incredibly kind, loving, and full of life. He had a gift for storytelling and loved sharing stories about his family.
He had special sayings and moments that will live on forever—asking his grandson Derek, “Do you know Spanish?” and smiling at his playful reply, “The rain in Spain falls mainly on the plane.” To his granddaughter Jessica, he would lovingly ask, “Who loves you?” to which she would always respond, “Nobody.”
He especially cherished time spent with Rosie, Romelia, Jesse, and Eddie, enjoying speaking Spanish and connecting deeply with them.
Francisco was a strong man who loved deeply and worked hard all his life. His legacy is one of sacrifice, perseverance, and unwavering love for his family.
He will be deeply missed, but never forgotten
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