Carlos Ruiz Jr., age 66, of Temple passed from this life during the late-night hours of Thursday, July 22, 2021 at Wellington Place Nursing Home in Temple, having spent his final days surrounded in love by his children. He was born on the 3rd day of December 1954 in San Antonio, TX to parents Carlos and Florinda (Duran) Ruiz. Carlos has been a resident of Temple since 2012; however, he spent most of his childhood years in Lockhart and Austin, TX. Carlos proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps from 1972 to 1976, having served in Vietnam. After his honorable discharge from the service, he moved to California; he also lived in New Mexico raising his five children until life brought him to back to Texas. Carlos was a faithful Christian who loved the Lord. He was full of life with such a great sense of humor; he was a huge fan of all sports but especially his beloved Dallas Cowboys. He was a charming man and loved starting conversations with anyone that would listen. Carlos will be deeply missed by all his friends and family. He is preceded in death by his father Carlos and brother Richard Ruiz. Carlos leaves behind to cherish his memory his mother Florinda Ruiz of Austin, daughters Angelica Cagley of Rhode Island, Sarah Archer of New Mexico and Michelle Griffith of Arizona, sons Carlos Ruiz III of New Mexico and Michael Ruiz of Round Rock, sister Mary Jane Ruiz of Austin, brother Robert Ruiz of Austin, as well as eight grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at 3 o’clock p.m. on Saturday, July 24, 2021 at Hewett-Arney Funeral Home in Temple with his family and friends officiating. Hewett-Arney Funeral Home of Temple is entrusted with these arrangements.