Johnny Ray Ortiz, August 13, 1956 - August 11, 2026. Johnny Ray Ortiz, age 69, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at his home in Albuquerque, NM. Johnny Ray was born on August 13, 1956, in Albuquerque to Ramon and Catalina Ortiz. He was the youngest of seven and grew up in the South Broadway area of town. Johnny Ray attended school at the Los Lunas Hospital and Training School until the early 1990’s. Johnny Ray participated in the Special Olympics running relay race and the softball throw. He was brought home at that time and cared for by his family. During these years, Johnny Ray attended programs at Cornucopia and Life Roots. Johnny Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Ramon and Catalina Ortiz, his brothers, Tommy Ray Ortiz, Rito Placencio, and Ruben Placencio; nephew Martin Placencio and his godmother, Connie “Conce” Jarvis. Johnny Ray is survived by his primary caregiver and sister, Yolanda Ortiz-Sanchez, sisters Aurora Acosta and Anna Ortiz-Lozano. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews Jessica Placencio, Sandie Griego, Pamela Owens, Tanya Placencio, Anthony Kotsios, Erasmo Jr. Acosta, Maria Acosta, Natalie Sanchez and Ashley Darrow. He is survived by many extended family members but was especially close to his great nieces Zariah and Sophia Williams and his great nephew Zion Boyer. Pallbearers will be Danny Ortiz, Nate Tapia, Phillip Ortiz, Anthony Kotsios, Erasmo Jr. Acosta and Brandon Boyer. Honorary Pallbearers will be Zariah Williams, Zion Boyer and Sophia Williams. Johnny Ray was a bright light in our lives. He always had a smile on his face and only good in his heart. He taught us how to love, how to show compassion, how to be patient and how to smile. He showed us that people living with disabilities are some of the most wonderful people to be around. He may have been the sweetest soul to walk the planet. It was an honor to call him our brother, uncle, cousin and friend. He will be missed so much and his light will always shine down on us. It was truly a blessing to have Johnny Ray in our lives. The services for Johnny Ray will be carried out through Garcia Mortuary. Evening services will be held on Tuesday, August 18th, 2026 at Garcia Mortuary. The viewing will begin at 6:30 pm with a rosary to be recited at 7:00 pm. On Wednesday, August 19th, 2026, at 10:30 am, a funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Francis Xavier Church at 820 Broadway Blvd. SE. A burial procession will immediately follow to Mount Calvary Catholic Cemetery, where Johnny Ray will be laid to rest next to his parents. The family will host a reception after the burial at the St. Francis Xavier Parish Hall. Services have been entrusted to: Garcia Mortuary 717 Stover Ave. SWAlbuquerque, NM 87102505-243-5222