Ra�L Garc�A

Family, faith and responsibility define the life of Ral Garca

Craftsman soldier banker community volunteer more than any job title or skill set, Ral Garcas life was defined by his marriage, as he was seldom seen without Amanda, his loving wife of 65 years, by his side. Their dedication to one another was a testament to the Biblical definition of marriage, that two shall become one. Together, Ral and Amanda raised five children, got involved in the lives of their grandchildren, volunteered at St. Joseph Academy, Incarnate Word Academy, and Villa Maria High School, and for over 20 years called bingo as a fundraiser for St. Lukes Church and St. Joseph Academy.

Ral was a living example of the Spanish expression, un hombre recto. If something was worth doing, it was worth doing right. If you gave your word, you followed through. Period. No exceptions. His values, his work ethic, and his pride were the result of his faith in God, instilled in him by his parents, and reinforced by his education at St. Joseph Academy and his service in the military.

Ral took on responsibility early in life, working in his fathers furniture store in downtown Brownsville, a building since dedicated as a historical landmark. Among his many responsibilities, Ral was often called to translate for his father with their English speaking clientele and help with the bookkeeping. The late twenties and early thirties were tough economic times. Working at his fathers side, Ral learned the importance of family unity, while also becoming a skilled craftsman. Much of the furniture in his own home, as well as those of his children, he built himself.

After serving in the Army Air Corps during World War II, Ral returned to his job as a bookkeeper for Water District No. 5 before taking a job with Brownsville Savings Loan in 1950, where he worked until his retirement in 1981. He also put his skills in financial stewardship to work for the community as a long time member of the Board of Directors of the Brownsville Medical Center.

Ral Garca entered into eternal rest on Saturday, November 5, 2011at the age of ninety at Sunshine Haven Hospice Facility surrounded by his loving family.

Ral was preceded in death by his parents, Juvencio and Anita Garca, and his two brothers, Rufino and Roberto Lpez.

He is survived by his wife, Amanda Vera Garca his sons, Ral, Jr. Lucy, Juvencio scar Paula, and David Andrs Lily two daughters, Lucy G. Patrick Willis and Amanda C. David Young his grandchildren: Shannon Noonan, David and Eric Willis, Damon, Nicols and Vincent Garca, and Tony and Cathy Barreda ten greatgrandchildren a brother, Jos J. Garca of El Paso two sisters, Sr. Mary Lucy Garca, IWBS of Corpus Christi and Ana Mara Crdenas of Flagstaff, Arizona and numerous nephews and nieces.

Rauls family will be receiving friends from 3 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, November 6, 2011 at DarlingMouser Funeral Home. A Memorial Mass celebrating Rals life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, November 7, 2011 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 602 E. Elizabeth St. There will be a private interment of Rals cremains at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that those wishing to honor Ral Garcas memory send donations to Sunshine Haven, 7105 West Lakeside Blvd., Olmito, TX 78575 or St. Jude Shrine, 512 W. Saratoga St., Baltimore, Maryland 21201, and 18772785833.

The family also wishes to thank the staff of Spanish Meadows for the loving care they provide to all under their roof.

Visitation

DarlingMouser Funeral Home
945 Palm Blvd.
Brownsville, TX  78520
Sunday, November 6, 2011
3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Service

Memorial Mass

Sacred Heart Catholic Church
602 E. Elizabeth
Brownsville, TX  78520
Monday, November 7, 2011
10 a.m.

Memorial Contributions

7105 West Lakeside Blvd.
Olmito, TX  78575


512 W. Saratoga St.
Baltimore, MD  21201