Raymond Henry Estrello Jr's Obituary
Raymond "Raymo" Henry Estrello Jr., a beloved husband, father, son, brother, and friend, passed away unexpectedly at his home in Dallas, Texas, on October 24, 2025.
Born on November 6, 1976, and raised in Garland, Texas, Raymo and his twin brother, Rondo, were the youngest of five siblings. They were affectionately known to all as "the boys." To distinguish between the many "Rays" in the family, he needed a nickname that wasn’t already taken. So, his older sisters gave him the enduring nickname Raymo.
After attending South Garland High School, Raymo attended the Art Institute of Dallas. He and Rondo channeled their passions and creativity into entrepreneurship, founding the production company Digital187. The venture produced local events and showcased both headliners and local openers, leaving an unforgettable mark on the Dallas music scene. Ahead of its time, Digital187 even featured an "online magazine" and an early e-commerce platform for selling local and mainstream music.
Raymo's creativity extended beyond music into graphic arts and photography. A gifted visual storyteller, he shared the world through his lens as a freelance photographer. He captured everything from city landscapes to his precious children and the families of so many in the community. With a camera in hand, he could turn something ordinary into something unforgettable.
Raymo and Betsy met in 1998 while she was attending Southern Methodist University and they married in April of 2009. Raymo was most proud of their children, Raymond "Henry" Estrello III and Frances "Cruz" Estrello. He cheered them on from the sidelines of their activities and served as a dedicated coach for their youth baseball and softball teams, often becoming a close mentor and trusted "Uncle Raymo" figure to their friends in the process.
He was truly a friend to many, possessing a vibrant spirit that meant he never met a stranger. He had a great sense of humor and was known for being genuinely funny, always quick with a joke or a witty observation. He and Betsy cherished hosting gatherings at their home, where his warmth and hospitality brought people together. Raymo made a significant and positive impact on so many lives and was a friend to all.
Raymo is survived by his wife, Mary Elizabeth “Betsy” Guthrie Estrello, and their children, Raymond Henry Estrello III and Frances Cruz Estrello. He is also survived by his mother, Violet Estrello; his sisters Miche Wilk (Vic) and Priscilla Bell (Bryan); brother-in-law Matt Guthrie (Crystal); and his beloved nieces and nephews: Monica Groves (Chantry), Caitlin Romero (Saul), Kaelee Brownlee (Justin), Johnny Bell, Sophia Wilk, Hannah Young (Rugby), Tinley Guthrie, Benjamin Estrello, and Cameron Estrello. He also leaves behind an extended family of great-nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles, in-laws, and cousins.
He is predeceased by his father, Raymond Estrello Sr.; his twin brother, Rondo Estrello; his sister, Cynthia Kelley; his brother-in-law, Rick Kelley; and his mother-in-law, Fran Ray Guthrie.
A Memorial Service celebrating Raymo’s life will take place on Saturday, November 8, at 10:30 am in the Memorial Chapel at Restland Funeral Home, followed by a reception at the Knights of Columbus in Lake Highlands.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Raymo's name to the Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation at https://texasrangers.com/donate. Gifts will benefit youth programs by supporting free, year-round baseball and softball instruction for Dallas athletes ages 7–18.
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