Rafael "Ralph" Mata, 64, of Port Isabel, entered into eternal rest on Friday, Sept. 21, 2007, at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born on Sept. 2, 1943, in Edinburg, TX and lived most of his life in Port Isabel. Ralph was the eldest of seven children. He was preceded in death by his father, Francisco H. Mata. Mr. Mata is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Dora Zamora Mata, one daughter, Jeanette (William) Mata-Reynolds, his granddaughter, Camille Elaine Reynolds, his mother, Juanita M. Mata, his brothers and sisters, Francisco Mata Jr., Alfredo (Sylvia) Mata, Yolanda (Cary) Causey, Ernesto Mata, Lydia Mata and Armando Mata. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. Ralph was the owner of Mata's Meat Market for over 36 years. He was a former member of the Port Isabel Volunteer Fire Department and of the Jaycees. Ralph was a fan of sports and loved to support the Port Isabel Tarpons. His collection of NFL, NBA and MLB championship caps was one of his beloved hobbies. He was also a member of Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church. Visitation will be held today, Sunday, Sept. 23, 2007 from 12 noon to 4 p.m. at Thomae-Garza Funeral Home in San Benito. Visitation will resume from 6 pm- 9 pm with a Holy Rosary recited at 7:00 p.m. at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church, 705 S. Longoria St. in Port Isabel. Visitation will begin Monday, September 24, 2007 at 8:30 with a Mass of Resurrection will begin at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of the Sea Church in Port Isabel with Father Gerry Barrett officiating. Interment will follow to Port Isabel City Cemetery in Port Isabel, Texas. The family would like to express their heart felt gratitude to those who took such excellent care of Ralph. Ralph's personal request was for everyone to know how much he appreciated the well wishers, the prayer teams, his friends and family for their constant support and encouragement. Pall Bearers will be Francisco Mata, Alfredo Mata, Ernesto Mata, Armando Mata, Travis Mata and Cary Causey Sr. Honorary pall bearers are William Reynolds, Joe Garcia, Ernie Herrera and Manuel Pazo. In Lieu of flowers, memorial may be made in memory of Rafael M. Mata to the American Cancer Society 1-800-227-2345. Words of comfort may be sent to the family of Rafael M. Mata at www.thomaegarza.com. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the care of Thomae-Garza Funeral Directors, 395 S. Sam Houston, San Benito, Texas 399-1331