Obituary of Juan Garcia

Juan L. Garcia, 68, of San Benito, Texas, entered into eternal rest on Sunday, April 10, 2016.

He graduated from Los Fresnos High School in 1966, where he won numerous awards and accomplishments. He received the award for “Most Athletic Boy of Class of 1966”. He raised an award winning pig for Agriculture and was a member of the track team. Juan was also a member of the AA State Quarter finalist football team, which he was always proud of.

After high school, he was drafted to the US Army and served with the 82nd Airborne Division for which he had volunteered for jump school, earning his paratrooper wings. He briefly lived in Chicago and worked for UPS before returning to Texas and opening a gasoline service station which would become the pinnacle of his career. He eventually became the largest private service station owner, south of San Antonio for the Exxon Corp that had the most sales, earning him over 100,000 gallons in sales over 10 years, pushing him to the Elite Million Gallon Dealer Award. He ran the business with his wife, Dahlia and their two oldest sons, as well as other various family members.

During this time, he donated many hours and contributions to various civic organizations: Knights of Columbus of San Benito, American Legion Post 205 of Harlingen, Texas, Boys and Girls Club of San Benito and Harlingen, sponsoring many teams and individual athletes. He served as President, Secretary and Treasurer over several years of the 82nd Airborne Division Association local chapter, again volunteering many hours for this organization of retired service men and women who proudly served our country. This group from Harlingen, Texas received recognition on a national level, attending the yearly conventions in Louisville, Kentucky, home of the national chapter.

His later years were spent spending time with his grandchildren, enjoying cookouts and reminiscing about past endeavors. He was proud of his children and their accomplishments. After closing the service station, his son, Daniel continued the towing business, which is still open today continuing the legacy his father started. His son, Juan (JJ) became a Paramedic; and Joel, the youngest became a teacher in Victoria, Texas.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Andres and Paulina L. Garcia; four brothers: Julio Garcia, Mauro L. Garcia, Heriberto L. Garcia, Esequiel L. Garcia; one sister, Enriqueta G. Martinez; and two brothers-in-law, Juan Sierra and Roberto Martinez, Sr.

Juan is survived by his wife, Angelica Maria Garcia; five sons: Daniel (Leydi) Garcia, Juan Javier Garcia, Joel Garcia, Nestor Guzman, Sergio Guzman; one daughter, Dannette Nykiel; eleven grandchildren: Jasmine N. Garcia, Isaiah R. Garcia, Dana P. Jimenez, Brissa M. Jimenez, Daniella P. Garcia, Ivan Guzman, Jordan Guzman, Vivian Guzman, Jeremy Guzman, Crisitan Guzman, Ivana Guzman; two brothers, Ramon L. Garcia and Dimas L. Garcia; two sisters, Maria G. Contreras and Siria Sierra; numerous nieces and nephews. Also surviving him are his two dogs, Pulga and Kyana.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 13, 2016 from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., with a holy rosary at 7:00 p.m., at Thomae-Garza Funeral Home in San Benito, Texas.

Funeral mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 14, 2016 at St. Benedict Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Mont Meta Memorial Park with military honors to be conducted at graveside by American Legion Post 205 of Harlingen, Texas.

Serving as pallbearers: Daniel Garcia, Juan Javier Garcia, Isaiah Garcia, Ramon L. Garcia, Jr., Juan Sierra, Jose “Nuno” Contreras, Roldan Martinez, Mauro Garcia, Jr., and honorary pallbearers: Sergio Juan Guzman and Nestor Guzman.

You may sign the online guestbook and send words of comfort, flowers, or sympathy cards to the family of Juan L Garcia at: www.thomaegarza.com. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the care of Thomae-Garza Funeral Directors and Crematorium, 395 S. Sam Houston, San Benito, Texas, (956) 399-1331.