Jose "Joe" Luis Cruz, Jr.

Aiken – 1st Sgt. Jose “Joe” Luis Cruz, Jr., US Army, Ret., 59, passed away Thursday, September 28, 2023.

Joe was born in Kingsville, TX, son of Jose Luis and Esperanza Cruz.  Joe served in the US Army for 26 years, and retired as 1st Sergeant. He served multiple tours in Kuwait and Iraq. While living in Aiken, he volunteered with Aiken Equine Rescue. Joe had a love of family first, the brotherhood of the Army, comradery of a few close friends and his volunteerism at Aiken Equine Rescue where he found purpose and solace.

Joe is survived by his beloved wife, Nancy Carter Cruz; mother, Esperanza Deanda Cruz; mother-in-law, Cora Jordan Carter; children, Joshua Cruz, Andrea (David) Steele, Alexandra (Chris) Schrader, Christie Cruz; grandchildren, William Wickes, Delilah Cruz, Quinn Steele, Paislee Schrader, Everett Schrader; sisters, Norma Jean Acosta, Cynthia Ann Cruz Cavazos, Debra Cruz Alvarez; brother, Eddie Cruz and an uncle, Pedro Cruz.
 
A Celebration of Life for Joe will be held Friday, April 26, 2024 at 2:00 PM at the Equine Rescue of Aiken, 532 Glenwood Dr., Aiken, SC 29803. Full military honors will be provided by the US Army. The family will receive friends following the service at the rescue.

In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to Aiken Equine Rescue, 532 Glenwood Dr., Aiken, SC 29803, www.aikenequinerescue.org.

This special man that once graced our rolling hills and found solace with the horses, reminds us of the power of a life well lived and the impact one person can have.
 
SHELLHOUSE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 924 HAYNE AVE., AIKEN, SC