Jose Ruben Salazar was born on August 28, 1981, at Luke Air Force Base in Glendale, Arizona, to Graviela Salazar and Manuel Salazar. As the child of a military family, Jose spent part of his childhood moving from place to place as his family relocated several times before eventually settling in Kingsville, Texas, the place he would come to call home. As the baby boy of the family, Jose shared an especially close bond with his mother and was, without a doubt, a proud mama’s boy—a title he carried with love throughout his life.

Jose passed away on September 3, 2026, in Corpus Christi, Texas, at the age of 45. Throughout different chapters of his life, Jose was known by names that became a part of his story. In his younger years, many knew him as “DJ Smurf,” and later he became affectionately known by his call sign, “SMS Jose.” No matter what name you knew him by, Jose was unmistakably himself—always wearing a smile, cracking jokes, and bringing laughter to those around him. He was loving, caring, and deeply devoted to his family and his children, who meant everything to him.

Jose attended Texas A&M University–Kingsville and worked in the electrical and industrial field, most recently with Helmerich & Payne. Known for being hardworking and always willing to lend a hand, Jose enjoyed working with his hands both on and off the job. He loved refinishing furniture, working on his home, and helping with projects around his parents’ home.

Jose truly enjoyed life and loved making memories with the people he loved most. He enjoyed traveling and taking trips with his family, going on cruises, spending days at the beach, fishing, barbecuing, and taking walks along Ocean Drive with his beloved dog, Bailey. He had a love for collecting antiques and especially enjoyed Halloween and decorating his home for the holidays. More than anything, Jose cherished spending time with his family. His smile, sense of humor, and ability to make others laugh will remain among the many memories his family and friends hold close to their hearts.

Jose was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Trinidad and Rosalio Prado; his paternal grandparents, Victoria and Ascención Salazar; his paternal uncles, Francisco Salazar, Luis Salazar, and Felix Salazar; his maternal aunt, Trinidad Rose Trejo; and his maternal cousin, Celia Patricia Gallegos.

Jose leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving wife, Irma Salazar; his beloved son, Devin Salazar; his children whom he loved and embraced as his own, Dulse M. Rubio, Roy C. Reyes III, Romeo R. Reyes, and Rey A. Reyes; and his grandson, Zedekiah C. Rubio. He is also survived by his parents, Graviela and Manuel Salazar; his siblings, Anthony Prado, Demetrio Prado, Frances Salazar, Manuel (Franchesca) Salazar Jr., and Vanessa Salazar; and his nieces and nephews, Demetrio Prado Jr., Alejandro (Krystal) Prado, Alicia (Sergio) Rodriguez, Xavier (Ashley) Salazar, Damien Salazar, Aaron Gonzalez, Azalia Salazar, Fayth Lyhn Salazar-Pena, Heaven Larea Salazar-Pena, Mauricio Raul Salazar-Pena, Nicholas Manuel Hernandez, Trinity Freeman, and J’Azai Taylor.

He is also survived by his close cousins, Anna Taylor, Leo Prado, Daniel Gallegos, Mary Prado, and Michelle Rodriguez, along with many beloved great-nieces and great-nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends who will forever cherish his memory.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Friday, September 18, 2026, at Turcotte-Piper Mortuary, with a prayer service beginning at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will resume at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 19, 2026, followed by a Celebration of Life service at 1:00 p.m. The service will conclude that same afternoon.

Following the services, family and friends are invited to gather for a luncheon at Columbus Club Hall #3389, 320 E. General Cavazos Blvd., Kingsville, Texas 78363, to continue celebrating Jose’s life, sharing memories, and honoring the life he lived.

As his family says goodbye, there is comfort in believing Jose has been reunited with the family’s beloved dog, Samson, who was waiting for him at the Rainbow Bridge. We can only imagine the joy of that reunion and the love they share once again.

Jose’s unforgettable smile, laughter, and love for his family will live on in the hearts of everyone who knew and loved him. Though his time here was far too short, the memories he created, the laughter he shared, and the love he gave will remain with his family and friends forever. He will be deeply loved, greatly missed, and never forgotten.