Sammy Ray Gutierrez was born on October 21,1956 in Houston, TX to the late Dionisio and Juanita Gutierrez Sr. and returned to the mother ship on May 11, 2022. He had a love for science fiction among many other things such as his comic book collection, his farm that was his pride and joy, hosting events in his barn with family and friends as well as his 31 years spent working at the Toledo Jeep Assembly plant.
He was most known for his love of the Michigan Wolverines football team and trivia questions. His playful nature, corny jokes, love and dedication to his family and friends will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
He is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Mary Gutierrez; brother, Danny (Elaine). He was a proud father, grandfather and great-grandfather and is also survived by his children;
Sammy (Holly) Tommy and Samuel / Jon; Jade, Jake, Jace /Tracey (Brad); Abigail (Rocky) Felipe, Penelope, Delilah and Altuve, Vincent (Kotryna), Daniel (Stacey) Cloie / Anthony (Janelle); Anthony II, Nathaniel and Ethan / Tonya (Darian); Alexandro, Drew – Milani, Royce – Royceiyonnna, Jasmine (DeAndre), Christian, Jackson and Jocelynn / Miguel (Hope). He is also survived by ex-wife and friend, Thora Hayter and daughter, Talena who referred to Sam as her grandpa and good friend, Sally Melle.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Eudocia and Natividad Billegas; two infant brother’s one also named Sammy the other unknown; grandson, Jonathan II; infant granddaughter; great-granddaughter, Bailey Ray; daughter-in-law, Jeanette and best friend Mark Martin. Along with many other aunts, uncles and cousins. Among which his favorite Uncle Domingo Billegas.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 18, 2022 from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. in the Urbanski’s Bedford Funeral Chapel 8300 Lewis Ave. Temperance, MI where a rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m. and a celebration of life service at 7:30 p.m. The funeral mass will be celebrated on Thursday, May 19, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. in St. Joseph Catholic Church 2214 Manhattan Street Erie, MI where visiting will begin after 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.