Obituary of Rafael Cruz

Rafael Cruz Acevedo, 80, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, September 8, 2020. Mr. Cruz was born in Ponce, Puerto Rico to the late Juan Cruz Colon and Teresa Acevedo Acevedo. He enjoyed boxing and sports in general, but absolutely loved baseball and the NY Yankees. He was also a fan of the NY Giants and the San Antonio Spurs. Rafael was a hard worker who starred in track and field athletics during his school years. He was a Vietnam veteran of the U.S. Army. He enjoyed traveling and attending antique car shows and even collected model cars. One of his greatest joys was being Abuelo to his grandchildren. Surviving are two sons, Hector Cruz and Lisander Cruz (Iris); a daughter, Vermary Cruz (Eric), a stepson, Ariel Rivera; a brother, Edwin Cruz (Zoraida); two sisters, Nelly Cruz and Zoraida Cruz (Jose); six grandchildren, Ana Davila, Mara Davila, Angel Cruz, Luis Davila, Lisander Cruz and Frances Chacon; a great-granddaughter, Anna Gonzalez; a special nephew, Ed Cruz (Cynthia); and his first wife, Veronica Torres. He was predeceased by a brother, Daniel Cruz; and a sister, Teresa Cruz. A Celebration of Rafael’s Life, with Military Honors, will be 6 o’clock Saturday at Fletcher Funeral Service. Burial will be in Dolly Cooper Veterans Cemetery at 3 o’clock Thursday, September 24th. The family will receive friends at the funeral home for two hours prior to the service and two hours following the service. The family is at the home of Ed and Cynthia Cruz, 102 Blue Sage Place in Simpsonville.