Efraim Diaz

August 26, 1930 - January 26, 2022

Efraim Diaz was born to Juventino and Leonor Diaz on August 26, 1930, in Runge, Texas. He had three brothers and two sisters. For many years, he lived the life of a migrant worker, traveling across the United States, picking cotton, grapes, watermelon, lettuce, beets, and other crops. His family settled in San Antonio, where Efraim grew up on the city’s West Side; streets such as Guadalupe, Calaveras and Rosillo were part of his familiar neighborhood. As a teenager, Efraim and his younger siblings experienced homelessness. Together they hopped trains and picked whatever crop was in season. In the city, their meager income was earned shining shoes. Later, Efraim was drafted into the U.S. Army. For eight years, he served his country proudly, including during the Korean War. He retired from civil service after 25 years. On August 27, 1977, Efraim Diaz became pastor of Theo Avenue Baptist Church, where he would go on to serve as pastor for 44 years. He preached the gospel of Jesus Christ to thousands, ordained many pastors into the ministry, and always served God faithfully. Efraim Diaz is survived by Bertha Ortiz Diaz, his loving wife of 56 years, and three children, Abraham (Guadalupe), Amos (Rebecca), and Miriam (James), to whom he was a dedicated and exceptional father. He also leaves behind six grandchildren: Abraham (Brittany), Isaac, Hosanna (Christopher), Savannah, Micah, Leonor, and great-granddaughter Aubrey, as well as two siblings, Moses and Leonor. A funeral service to celebrate the life of Pastor Efraim Diaz will be held at Theo Avenue Baptist Church on Thursday, February 17, 2022, at 6 p.m. Visitation begins at 4 p.m. Private burial will follow at a later date. Pastor Diaz’s life was dedicated to God’s ministry for over 60 years, including his 44 years as pastor of Theo Avenue Baptist Church. In recognition of his strong dedication to God’s work and to honor that work, his family asks that you consider contributions to Theo Avenue Baptist Church in lieu of flowers. Donations can be sent to Theo Avenue Baptist Church, 127 W. Theo Ave., San Antonio, TX 78214.