Rafael Perez was born on November 11, 1929 in Woodland, CA to Rafael Perez and Maria Mañas Perez, from Uleila del Campo and Sorbas, Spain. He graduated from Orland High School and began to work in the grocery business at the age of 15.

In 1950, he married LaVon Nichols and raised three sons, Charles (Chuck), Christopher and Clifford, living in Susanville, Orland, Red Bluff and Willows. Rafael was an avid deer and pheasant hunter and enjoyed trips to the coast for abalone and crab. After the passing of his mother, Rafael continued the Valentine's Day tradition of gathering and assumed the reign as the King of the Sausage Making- presiding over the family's work in Uncle Freddie's garage to make Chorizo, Relleno and Morcillia.

Rafael retired after 40 years in the grocery business and later met Patricia Salas in 1993. They married in 1998, with Patricia bringing a daughter Zuheit into his life. Rafael and Patricia built a new home among the family Olive Orchard in Orland and Rafael spent his days overseeing the management and harvest. Rafael and Patricia enjoyed traveling, with trips to Mexico, Europe, and China, but had their best times at the coast in Ft. Bragg where they would go fishing and enjoy delicious seafood.

A large family holds Rafael in their hearts as he leaves his wife Patricia, sister Isabel Alonso (Babe), his sons Christopher and Clifford, daughter Zuheit, their spouses, 10 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his son Charles, brothers Pablo, Pedro, and Fred, and sister Maria Alonso.

No services are planned at this time due to COVID-19 restrictions.