Jose Angel Betancourt Sr.

Jose Angel Betancourt Sr., known affectionately as “Lil’ Joe” to his friends and family, passed away peacefully on January 16, 2024, at the age of 89 in San Antonio, Texas. He was a cherished husband, father, and friend who lived a full life marked by laughter, kindness, and an unwavering dedication to his loved ones and his work.

Born on July 18, 1934, in Donna, Texas, Joe was the epitome of a self-made man. He attended school in Edinburg, where even at a young age, he was recognized for his sharp wit and gentle spirit. Joe honorably served his country in the Army, instilling in him a sense of discipline and duty that he carried throughout his life.

Upon returning to civilian life, Joe found his calling in the world of trucking. His passion for the open road led him to found JB Trucking in the late 1950s. His entrepreneurial spirit didn’t stop there; he was also involved with Havana Materials, Delta Transport, Martin Marietta, and Sureway Transport. His reputation for integrity and hard work made him a respected figure in the trucking community. No matter where he was everyone knew when “Lil” Joe was on the job, with his iconic red Peterbilt.

Joe’s life was marked by a selfless love for his family. He was a devoted husband to his wife, Maria Luisa Betancourt, and a loving father to his children: Juan, Elena, Estella, Ester, Jose Jr., and Javier. Each of them inherited their father’s sense of humor, strength of character, and the importance of family.

Beyond his professional achievements, Joe was known for his quick wit and ability to find humor in any situation. His laughter was infectious, and he was always the one to lighten the mood and bring a smile to everyone’s face. He was also a man of great gentleness, treating everyone he met with kindness and respect. Joe’s selflessness was evident in the way he lived his life. He was always the first to lend a helping hand, whether it was to a neighbor in need or a stranger on the street. His generosity knew no bounds, and he left a lasting impact on the lives of those around him.

In his leisure time, Joe had an unwavering passion for trucking. It was more than just a career for him; it was a lifelong interest that he joyfully shared with his family and friends. His stories from the road were legendary, filled with adventure and the wisdom of a man who had seen much of the world from behind the wheel of his truck. Joe’s legacy is one of joy, compassion, and dedication. He was a man who lived life to the fullest, with a heart as big as the Texas sky. His memory will be cherished and kept alive through the countless lives he touched with his humor, gentleness, and selflessness. As we say goodbye to Joe, we celebrate a life well-lived, a journey that took a boy from Edinburg to San Antonio and saw him become a pillar of his community and a beacon of love and laughter for his family. Jose Angel Betancourt Sr. will be deeply missed, but his spirit will continue to guide and inspire us all.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents Martin and Rosario Betancourt, brothers Ambrosio and Jesus (Gumecinda) Betancourt, sister Maria Elena, and grandson Adan Ramos. He is survived by his loving wife Maria Luisa Betancourt, and children Juan Martin (Norma) Betancourt, Elena (Robert) Betancourt-Delgado, Estella-Gina (Valentin) Guerrero, Ester (Juan) Fuentes, Jose Angel (Darlene) Betancourt Jr., and Javier (Del) Betancourt, 17 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, as well as his brothers Raul (Amelia) Betancourt, Ramon (Maria) Betancourt, Juan Martin (Gloria*) Betancourt, Tomas (Maureen) Betancourt, Jose Antonio (Gloria) Betancourt, and sisters Maria Del Refugia (Joe*) Gallager, Maria Del Rosario (Richard) Brown, and Dora Celia (Robert) Casillas, and numerous nieces and nephews.

The Betancourt family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the friends, neighbors, and community members who have shared in Joe’s life and supported them during this time. His story will be told for generations, a narrative of a man who built a life of meaning and purpose, driven by an indomitable spirit and an unwavering commitment to those he loved.

A gathering of family and friends will take place Monday, January 22, 2024 from 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm with the recital of the Holy Rosary at 7:00 pm at Rivera at Hillcrest Funerals and Cremations of Edinburg. Funeral mass will be celebrated Tuesday, January 23, 2024 at 11:30 am at Holy Family Catholic Church of Edinburg followed by Burial at 1:00 pm at the Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery in Mission. Military Honors will be provided by VFW 8788 of McAllen.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Rivera at Hillcrest Funerals and Cremations of Edinburg.

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