August 31, 1917        

Born in Santa Barbara, California. Raised in San Francisco until age 11-12. Moved to Boyle Heights in East Los Angeles. Joined the Mexican Navy as a teen.

 1940-1946                  

Joined the U.S Army and was stationed in Alaska. Served as weather observer in the Eleventh Air Force.

 Late 1940s

Under the Gl Bill attended Sawyer Business School. Earned an A.A. degree in Business Administration. Studied foreign trade at UCLA joined an insurance company selling insurance.

 1958

Transformed to Santa Ana with the insurance company. Joined League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC).

 1960s, 70s and 80s     Joined the Democratic Party. Became the first Mexican-American appointed to Orange County’s Democratic Central Committee. Started his own insurance company in Santa Ana. Instrumental in the creation of:

• Political Association of Spanish Associations
• Orange County Mexican-American Political Association
• First Head Start Program in Orange County
• “Viva Kennedy” Clubs in Orange County
• Orange County Community Action Council
• Orange County SER-Jobs for Progress, Inc.
• Became first Hispanic Santa Ana Councilman in 1969
• Dedicated nearly two decades to Orange County SER-Jobs for Progress, Inc. as
  director and board chairman.
• Appointed to Santa Ana Unified School District’s Career Development Education
  Advisory Committee.
• Joined “Bristol Street Gang,” a Santa Ana-based group of influential Latino civic leaders.
• Brought Manpower Defense Training Act (MDTA) to Orange County.
• Served LULAC as state director and in other roles.

November 12, 1992              

Died at the age of 75 in a Hawaiian Garden hospital. Survived by his wife, Ruth Villa and four children: Phil Villa, Monica Flusche, Steve Gomez and Linda Guerrero.

October 30, 1996                  

Groundbreaking ceremonies were held for Raymond A. Villa Fundamental Intermediate School.

 November 5, 1998           

Grand Opening and dedication of the Raymond A. Villa Fundamental Intermediate School.