San Antonio man, 101, shares life story, love for hometown

Raymond Flores still has a deep love for San Antonio and its residents at 101.

The Bob Ross Senior Center has a long list of activities and events to offer, which I discovered when I visited last month. Maria Rivera, the Department of Human Services’ social services manager, eagerly pointed out different members and briefly told me their stories as we made our way through the Babcock Road hangout. In the cafeteria-style meeting room, she suggested that I chat with one man she called a "hoot."

At 101, Raymond Flores is quite the gem. I first observed Flores thanking the woman who served him his lunch tray and laughing with a few other members as they ate together, appreciating the warmth and friendliness he exuded. I was happy to realize that his friendly personality was true when I sat down to chat with him.

"I was born and raised in San Antonio," said Flores, who celebrated his 101st birthday in February.

Flores shared that he left the Alamo City in 1940 when he moved to Dallas for work. The following year he left Dallas when he joined the U.S. Air Force, serving in World War II as an aircraft loadmaster. Flores’ excitement about working with planes was apparent, but he said working closely to the machinery caused him to lose his hearing at a young age.

"When the war was over I came back to San Antonio," Flores said with a smile.

Flores’ return home brought him a career with the United States Postal Service for more than 30 years and a family he adores still today. He and his family, made up of four daughters and five sons, lived near St. Mary's University in the city's Westside for many decades, though Flores and his wife moved out to Selma in the 2000s. She was later diagnosed with dementia and died about four years ago.

Despite losing his wife and two of his children, the 101-year-old remains as grateful as ever. He's happy to be active at the Bob Ross Senior Center, where he participates in Zumba, works out on the fitness machines, and completes therapy in the swimming pool.

"My mind is in good condition due to the movement that I make around here," he said. "I keep on going every day. This way I’m always healthy."

Flores admits he first became a member at the center in order to exercise, but he's bettering himself in more ways than one.

"I have a lot of respect for the members and a lot of love. The Bible says love thy neighbors," Flores said, adding that he starts every day by praying and meditating. "They’re my neighbors. They’re my family."

Flores’ friendly spirit and centenarian status make him an easily-loveable viejito, though he has all the love for San Antonio (really, he said he loves everything about the city) and its residents.

"The people are more friendly," he said. "That's what I see, especially with the veterans. They see me and they respect me. But to me, I’m just a person."

Flores believes everyone should respect each other. He also wants local kids and teens to follow their dreams no matter what it takes.

"Get more education and do the best thing you like to do. Don't give up," Flores said. "Make them learn not to give up."

If younger generations of San Antonians need a bit of encouragement, let it be known that Flores will be rooting for them for as long as he lives.

"All I want is to live another 99 years," he laughed.