A. H. (Buddy) Garcia, (92) passed away on May 3, 2023 at his home in Brownsville, Texas. He was born in Brownsville, Texas on May 11, 1930, and was preceded in death by his parents, Antonio S. and Aurora R. Garcia, his sisters Perla G. Villarreal and Mildred G. Garza and his first wife, Sylvia Wilmot.
Hector graduated from Brownsville High School in 1948, where he was a member of the Brownsville Golden Eagle Band and a three-time Golden Gloves boxing champion. He graduated from North Texas State University and was a charter member of the 1 O’Clock Jazz Lab Band and played basketball for the “Mean Green”. Hector served in the U.S. Army and was a member of the Fourth Army Band out of Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio.
In 1957 Hector established the band program at Ella Barnes Junior High School in Corpus Christi, Texas, where he also coached basketball, football and golf. He was a member of the Ralph Galvan Orchestra in Corpus Christi throughout the late 1950’s and 1960’s. In 1966 Hector received a Master’s Degree from Texas A&I College, and in 1968 he returned to Brownsville as an Assistant Football coach for the Brownsville High School Golden Eagles, who went on to become 1969 Bi-District Champs. He later became Associate Principal and Director of Driver Education at Brownsville High School, and formed his own dance band, the Buddy Garcia Orchestra. In 1976 he was appointed Principal of Faulk Junior High School and in 1980 he became Financial Aid Director of Texas Southmost College. He concluded his career in education at Skinner Elementary in Brownsville, Texas.
As a child Hector rode his horse in the first Charro Days parade in 1938 and continued to be active in the Charro Days organization as an adult, earning many titles including Honorary Life Director. He was a certified swimming instructor, avid outdoorsman and competitive golfer. He coached athletics and taught driver’s education to many generations of Brownsville students. He was an accomplished barbecue master.
Music was his passion, especially jazz. He told stories about his college days, walking into bars carrying his “axe” or his beloved saxophone, and would jam with local jazz bands for free beer, including Austin’s famous Continental Club in 1958. He was a go-to sax sub for other orchestras in Corpus Christi in the 1960s. Later when he had his own band in Brownsville, he became a well-booked regular for parties, holidays, weddings and was popular with the Winter Texans. He loved music and was happiest when playing his saxophone but could play any instrument well. Always an avid entertainer, he had perfect comedic timing when telling stories and jokes.
Hector is survived by his wife, Rosario L. Putegnat of Brownsville, Texas, two daughters, Rosalie (David) Keszler of Austin, Texas and Patricia (Brittni) Garcia-King of Midlothian, Texas; his two sons, Buddy (Meredith) Garcia of Austin, Texas and Tony Garcia of Dallas, Texas; his step-sons, Chris Putegnat of Austin, Texas, Brian Putegnat of Brownsville, Texas and John Putegnat of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, by his four grandsons, Shelby (Lindsey) Rounsaville of Spring, Texas; Clark Garcia and Reid Garcia both of Austin, Texas, and Parker Garcia-King of Midlothian, Texas; his step-granddaughter Emma Putegnat of Dallas, Texas, and by his great granddaughters Olivia Scheffer and Sloane Rounsaville of Spring, Texas.
Visitation is scheduled from 4pm to 9 pm on Sunday, May 14, 2023, with a rosary at 7 p.m. at Funeraria del Angel Buena Vista at 125 McDavitt Blvd, Brownsville, Texas. The funeral mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, 1055 Military Road, Brownsville, Texas on May 15, 2023 at 10am followed by the burial at Buena Vista Burial Park.
Pallbearers will be his grandsons, Shelby C. Rounsaville, Clark A. Garcia and Reid W. Garcia, his step-sons Chris Putegnat, Brian Putegnat, John Putegnat and his nephew, Alex Garza and his son-in-law David Keszler. Honorary pallbearers are Parker J. Garcia-King, Dr. Reynaldo Garcia, Mr. Mike Hernandez, Mr. Willie Molina, Rudy A. Villarreal Jr., Richard A. Villarreal, Ricky Ruenes, Joe Lee Rubio, and Rene Escamilla.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.funerariadelangelbuenavista.com for the Garcia family.
