Obituaries must be approved to run by 3 p.m. Monday for the Wednesday edition, or 3 p.m. Wednesday for the Sunday edition. Email to obit@wilcosun.com. Obituaries are $72 and include a close up photo, and up to 250 words. Extra words, or photos can be added for an additional fee.
Carlos Juan “Charlie” Sierra Ruiz
Carlos Juan “Charlie” Sierra Ruiz
Carlos Juan “Charlie” Sierra Ruiz passed away peacefully at home in Florence, Texas, on the morning of Thursday April 24, 2025.
Charlie was born in Caguas, Puerto Rico, on January 19, 1947, and was a lover of nature and the country… both in the island as he was in Texas where he resided since 2013 at his beautiful and beloved Rancho Anita in Florence.
Charlie graduated in the top three of his class from Gautier Benítez High School in Caguas, Puerto Rico, in May 1965. He immediately landed his first job at the Banco Popular de Puerto Rico where he was employed while he started his family. Then he moved to sales for The Puerto Rican Cement Company, where he was “discovered” as a natural talent.
Charlie was an award-winning insurance sales professional for many years. His perseverance and expertise took him to be recognized as the “Best Salesman” by the Commonwealth Governor’s office in Puerto Rico in the year 1984. Armed with a warm smile, outgoing personality and genuine care for people’s welfare, he would work long and hard days to provide for his young family and he never showed a shadow of discouragement no matter how challenging his days became.
Early in his life, Charlie had a passion for baseball and was a very good player… something he passed on to his sons. He was also a very successful breeder of fighting cocks “gallitos,” the national sport that he loved. After he relocated to Texas with his family… Charlie fell in love with motorcycles and spent a great deal of his time riding with friends and family. “Pincel” as he was known in his biker circles, was a proud member of the Borinqueneers Motorcycle Club since 2010. He always had wise and sound advice, and was ready to lend an ear, a hand and a word of advice to countless friends, neighbors and any person that crossed his path. Even as he was humble, he had great taste, loved good food and had a very soft spoken and elegant demeanor.
Forever missing him will be his children Carlos Javier, Ishea Michelle and Juan Carlos, son-in-law Benjamin, his grandchildren JanCarlos, Francisco, Analia and Ethan. His “sisters” Vicky and Xandrita, nieces Arianna, Natalia and nephew Reinaldo. We all consider ourselves very fortunate to have had his love, care and guidance in our lives.
A celebration of Charlie’s life has been scheduled in Florence, Texas, to remember Charlie and share his legacy with family and friends.