Rodolfo Garza Jr.

Radio personality, Rodolfo “Rudy” Garza Jr., a.k.a. “The Flash,” a.k.a. “Rudy Ramos,” passed away unexpectedly Saturday, May 26, 2012 at Bay Area Hospital in Corpus Christi, Texas. Rudy was 39 years young.

Rudy was born to Rodolfo “Rudy” and Juanita “Janie” Garza on December 22, 1972 in Falfurrias, Texas. At just 15 years of age, he began his career in radio at KPSO in Falfurrias and by 16 was the station’s program director. After two years with KPSO, Rudy began working with KCCT in Corpus Christi and two years later moved to Houston for an announcer’s position at KQQK (El Dorado Communications), earning him the nickname, “The Flash,” for his quick rise through the industry. At 19, Rudy was the youngest radio announcer in Houston and rose to fame through the golden years of Tejano music during the 1990’s. He worked with various artists, such as Jaime y Los Chamacos, Mazz, Roberto Pulido, Michael Salgado, Ruben Ramos, Little Joe, Ram Herrera, and many others. In 2002, Rudy left Houston to continue his management and on-air career in Austin (Clear Channel’s KFMK and BMP Radio, LP’s KXXS, KHHL, KXBT & KXXS), San Antonio (BMP Radio, LP’s KTFM & KLEY), New York City (JVC Broadcasting’s WBON, WWAC, & WPTY) and finally Corpus Christi (Malkan Broadcasting’s KZFM Z95, KKBA 92.7 & KEYS 1440). From 2002 to 2004, Rudy was the bilingual voice of the Texas State Lottery. He was the recipient of the 2006 Gazelle Award and the 2008 R&R Latin Radio Station of the Year (KXXS) award. Most recently, he was honored nationally as the 2011 Rhythm Program Director of the Year from the Street Information Network. Rudy was preceded in death by his father, Rudy Garza Sr.; his paternal grandparents, Margarita and Natalio Garza; and his maternal grandfather, Fidencio Morales Sr. He is survived by his daughter, Alexandria Rose Garza of Houston; mother, Janie Garza (Santos Villanueva) of Robstown; brother, Robert (Kimberlee) Garza of Kingsville; sister, Leonie Garza of Alice; brother, Joshua Gonzalez of Robstown; maternal grandmother, Belia Morales of Premont; four uncles, five aunts and 21 cousins. A Rosary will be held Friday, June 1, 2012, 7 pm at the Howard Williams Funeral Home, 1208 S Saint Mary’s, Falfurrias, Texas. Mass will be celebrated at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church on Saturday, June 2, 2012, at 1 pm in Falfurrias. Burial will be at the Los Caballos Cemetery, Hwy 285 E. A memorial fund to be held in trust for Alexandria Rose Garza has been established. Gifts can be deposited at any Wells Fargo Bank for the “Alex Garza Trust,” held in trust under Kimberlee & Robert Garza, account number ending in 9390, or mailed directly to: Wells Fargo Bank, MAC T7904-101, 601 S. 14th St., Kingsville, Texas 78363.

“I love what I do. I love the music…I like being where things are happening, where the action is” (Rudy Garza, 1991).

Please join us in honoring our loved one, Rodolfo “Rudy” Garza Jr., by visiting our memorial website at www.funerariadelangelhwilliams.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Funeraria Del Angel Howard Williams of Falfurrias, your Dignity Memorial provider. BLN: 3460