P.R. (Rudy) de la Viña, Jr. entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, May 30, 2023, at his residence, surrounded by family. Rudy was born on October 10, 1948 in Edinburg, Texas to the late Rudy de la Viña, Sr. and Irene Champion de la Viña.
He graduated from Edinburg High School in 1967 where he was a Bobcat football player and an active member of Future Farmers of America. His love for ranching and agriculture endured, becoming an intregal part of his adult life. The bond he shared between his family and La Estrellita Ranch will remain a testament to his legacy, and continue through his children and grandchildren. Rudy also attended Pan American College, majoring in History. As an avid history buff, he was especially proud of the historical accomplishments of the de la Viña family and enjoyed reminiscing about "old times" with family and friends. He also served in the Texas National Guard for several years.
Rudy will also be remembered for his dedication and service to the community. He worked at the Texas Department of Human Services as the Regional Supervisor of Indigent Care Programs for South Texas. He also served as the Director of Indigent Care for the County of Hidalgo. His life's work was dedicated to providing medical help to those in need.
Following the tradition of the de la Viña family to serving the community, Rudy served as an Edinburg Council Member from 1981 to 1987 and Mayor of Edinburg from 1987 to 1993. His profound impact, leadership, and vision to the City of Edinburg will never be forgotten.
Rudy is preceded in death by his father, Rudy de la Viña, Sr. and brother, Rick de la Viña.
Mr. de la Viña is survived by his wife, Dalia Guerra de la Viña; six children, Laura de la Viña (Robert) Nichols, Letty (Gene) Shupe, Lina de la Viña, Lila (Paul) Villegas, Rudy (Rebecca) de la Viña III, Anthony (Lori Garza) de la Viña; twelve grandchildren, Deyja Kilete, Julian Villegas, Gavyn de la Viña, Kaylee Nichols, Allison de la Viña, Jaxson Shupe, Ryan Nichols, Neve Villegas, Alayna de la Viña, Nikolas de la Viña, Grace de la Viña, Sara de la Viña; mother, Irene Champion de la Viña; two siblings, Rosie (Dr. Oscar) Sotelo, Daniel (Judy) de la Viña; sister-in-law, Yvonne de la Viña; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Serving as pallbearers will be Oscar Sotelo II, Michael Sotelo, Danny de la Viña, Jr., John de la Viña, Champ de la Viña, and Bobby Rey Reyna.
Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. with a 6 p.m. rosary Thursday, June 1, 2023, at Memorial Funeral Home, 208 E. Canton in Edinburg. Funeral service will take place at 10 a.m. Friday, June 2, 2023, at Memorial Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Edinburg, Texas.
Funeral services are under the direction of Memorial Funeral Home in Edinburg.