Eddie Villanueva

Born on December 13, 1949, in New Braunfels, TX, Eddie’s family soon moved to Dallas and he grew up in the close-knit community of the Oak Cliff neighborhood of the 1950’s and 60’s. He lived on Clinton St. and attended Rosemont Elementary, W. E. Greiner Junior High, and Sunset High School, where he was a student leader and star athlete. During these years he forged friendships that he would cultivate and find joy in for the rest of his life.

Eddie's outstanding talents in basketball and baseball led to athletic scholarships to Paris Junior College, the University of Arkansas and Southeastern State College of Oklahoma. He was the first in his family to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in 1972.

Growing up in an exuberant, loving Mexican-American family, Eddie was the cherished son of Evangelina and Edward Villanueva, and was surrounded by his adoring sisters Mary, Angie, and Liz. In 1974, he married his high school sweetheart, Pamela Brooks, and was dearly loved as a son by Farrell and Sue Brooks. During their 36-year marriage, Eddie and Pam raised three daughters: Celest, Feliza, and Cecilia, in Richardson, TX.

The entrepreneurial Eddie co-owned D-G Battery Company with his father for four decades, leaving a lasting legacy of hard work and dedication. He sold automotive batteries out of the shop on Inwood Road, and the company was a contribution to the landscape of minority-owned small businesses of Dallas.

Eddie's iconic persona was matched by his generous heart. He was the life of the party, known for his infectious laughter and his ability to strike up a conversation with anyone. He appreciated classic country music by Waylon and Willie, Jerry Jeff and especially Rusty Weir, loved grilled steak and Miller Lite and cheering on Dallas's professional sports teams. In fact, he was in the stands for a couple of Dallas Cowboy Superbowl wins and, as a hockey enthusiast, was amongst the earliest Dallas Stars season ticket owners. He reveled in the thrill of horse racing and sports betting, enjoyed beach vacations in South Padre Island, visited many of the most famous baseball stadiums across the nation and could always find a great outdoor music and/or food festival. His distinctive laugh, silly sense of humor, and outstanding baseball trivia were all notable. He was a loyal friend to many and a cornerstone of his extended family. He was especially devoted to his daughter with special needs, Feliza, and loved having her near him all the time.

Since 2012, Eddie cherished his role as a grandfather to his only grandchild, Brooks Leslie, sharing with him a distinct love for baseball, family, good food and fun.

Eddie is survived by his beloved mother, Evangelina Villanueva, his sisters Mary Villanueva, Angie Hipps, and Liz Chase, and his daughters Celest and Cecilia Villanueva and his grandson, Brooks Leslie.

A celebration of Eddie's rich and vibrant life will be held on June 20, 2024, at 4pm at Ozona Grill, where friends and family will gather to honor his memory and the indelible mark he left on all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Eddie’s name to the Notre Dame School of Dallas; https://notredameschool.kindful.com/