Salvador Murguia Valenzuela

Our beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, Brother, Uncle, Cousin and Friend, Salvador Murguia Valenzuela loving known as Jr and Ata, passed away on March 27, 2026 at Southern Arizona Veterans Hospital. Salvador was born on December 8, 1957 in Tucson, AZ. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Debra Clark Valenzuela; son, Salvador Valenzuela Jr; son, Nick Valenzuela (Priscilla); Grandchildren, Daniel, Mya, and Angel; brothers David, Randy (Debbie) and daughters, sister, Annamarie (Marcial) and sons. He is preceded in death by his parents, Jesus G. Valenzuela and Maria Luz Valenzuela; mother-in-law, Juanita Rutherford and other family members. 

Salvador served in the United States Army and served for 9 ½ years. He loved being a veteran, and was always willing to speak of his adventures in the service. He could tell you any make and model of the support vehicles with the M1 Abrams being his favorite. He was awarded the ARCOM metal during his duty serving. In his childhood years, he was always willing to fight the monsters under his sister’s bed. During his time at the Tucson VA, he loved talking and reminiscing with other Vets. Those vets stationed at Ft. Bragg North Carolina gave him much joy reminiscing about the time they were stationed there. Salvador loved coaching T-Ball for his sons, watching fast race cars, high riding trucks, flying kites, going to the races, collecting model cars and was collecting key chains from every state. He had a great passion and respect for the Bald Eagle and loved watching the Hummingbirds outside his window. His joy was his 66 Chevelle SuperSport and his Pro Street 72 Chevy short bed truck. Jr had a fulfilling work career as a mechanical assembler, he also worked at Old Tucson helping rebuild it after it burned down, He worked construction and helped rebuild the TIA runway. He was not a suit and tie guy, he loved his White Tees, 501 Jeans, and his boots and looked damn good. 

Sadly, JR’s health declined over recent years and took much of his enjoyment and hobbies away. We are all grief stricken of his passing. It was very unexpected. We know that Jr is dancing with the angels and no longer in pain. May he rest in peace and laugh with all his loved ones who welcomed him. Until we meet again babe. Always and forever, I love you BooBoo.