Ramsey Muñiz was known to be spiritual. His faith served as the foundation for his love of God, Jesus Christ, La Virgen de Guadalupe, family, and humanity, and his spirituality began during his childhood. In his early years, he accompanied his grandmother, Rosa, to treat the sick who needed medical care in their homes. He set out religious images and candles, while his grandmother administered natural healing remedies. They both prayed for a healing, and the ill would later visit to extend their gratitude for their restored health. Later in life, Muñiz continued to demonstrate his faith. As a young boy, he attended Holy Family Catholic Church in Corpus Christi, Texas, where he would make his way to the altar on his knees with prayers and supplications.
Muñiz understood his family’s economic struggles, and this motivated him to be the best he could be. A strong sense of cultural identity and love for his mother motivated him to excel at everything he did. He worked many jobs and gave his earnings to her, helping to provide for the family. He picked cotton from early morning until evening, racing against the clock to submit the heaviest load and maximize his earnings which were calculated by the weight of the cotton.
Later, Muñiz ran a paper route starting at 4:00 a.m. finishing in time to attend school followed by football practice. After practice, he walked home to prepare for his night job setting pins at the bowling alley. In spite of work challenges, he excelled academically. He was in Student Council at Cunningham Junior High and Miller High School.
It was at Cunningham that Muñiz began to develop a talent for football. In his early high school years he built his body, having been told by Coach Pete Ragus that he was too small to play for Miller High School. As a result of his bodybuilding, he was awarded the titles of Mr. Corpus Christi and Mr. Physique at Baylor University.
Muñiz became a driving force for Miller High School’s State Football Championship in 1960 and he was immediately offered scholarships from several major universities. He chose to attend Baylor University in Waco, Texas, and represented Baylor at the Fellowship Christian Athletics Summer Conference in Colorado. He was selected because of his scholastic and athletic achievements, and his participation in Christian activities.
After graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in 1966, Muñiz was accepted into Baylor Law School and earned a Juris Doctor degree in 1971, expressing his goal of helping others. When interviewed at Baylor he shared, “My.goal is to be a lawyer. So many have helped me out. I want to help people out who haven’t had the opportunity”. (The Baylor Lariat, 1966). Another article stated, “For Ramsey Muñiz, sincerity in helping other people stems not in helping them because they’re poor, but from helping them out of a love and respect for them as individuals.”
Muñiz helped many others, and he contributed his time and talents for his people. He was actively involved in helping the community in Waco, Texas. As a member of The Alliance of the Mexican-American Education Foundation, he helped obtain scholarship funds for students stating, “For good leadership in the community, the Mexican-American will have to increase the number of college graduates. Education is the key movement not only to help the Mexican-American alone, but society as a whole. To be helped, we must help ourselves.”
He was appointed Administrative Aide in the Waco Model City Agency. During his tenure, the agency won three additional contracts for Model Neighborhood projects that implemented computer education programs, law enforcement training, and housing needs. Those computer programs were intended to assist with teacher instruction as well as struggling students. Waco was reported to be the first city in Texas to install a computer education program. (The Reporter, 1969).
Muñiz became Director for the Waco Community Development Center and Goodwill Industries. He served on the Board of the Economic Opportunity Advancement Corporation and was a member of the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF). Additionally, he was invited to participate in the lawyer’s institute sponsored by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). His work and community involvement benefited many, and his contributions will never be forgotten.
Muñiz became a civil rights activist and a political voice for his people, running for governor of Texas under the Raza Unida Party, an independent political party. He encountered unforeseen legal problems and suffered for it. He chose to remain silent amidst adversity for the sake of his family and members of the political party he represented.
In spite of his suffering, his love for God, Jesus Christ, La Virgen de Guadalupe, his family, and humanity remained steadfast. This underscored his true nature and the true beauty of his soul. He is greatly loved by many and will always be missed.
Many remained with him and stood by his side. His wife, Irma, who cared for him upon his release, remains grateful to God for the blessing she received through her beloved husband, Ramsey who suffered greatly. She and all family members who remained close to him throughout the years extend their gratitude to the many individuals, organizations, elected officials, and supporters throughout the country for their gifts of kindness, love, compassion, time, donations, and their uncompromising belief in Ramsey. His release came about through their love, sincerity, conviction, and courage. There is no doubt in our minds that they will be rewarded by God for embracing the difficult task of choosing that which is right.
