Eduardo "Eddie" Jose Garcia

Eduardo "Eddie" Garcia was a man of great character who embodied the essence of service to others. He lived a full life overflowing with passion for his family, his business, his talent for growing prize roses, and for his commitment to community.

Eddie died January 10, 2021. He was 83.

Eddie served in the military from 1961 – 1964, where he served as a Mess Steward. During his time he received the Bronze Star Medal of Honor. Eddie continued his service in the reserves and was honorably discharged.

Born in Laredo, Texas on January 29, 1937 to Eduardo and Josefina Garcia, Eddie was raised with strong family values, a passion for people, and an insatiable work ethic, which built a long successful 45-year career with H-E-B. Eddie founded the H-E-B Hunger Relief program and was honored as the namesake for the first H-E-B mobile kitchen used for H-E-B's renowned disaster response. Eddie's sincere passion for people inspired many, and it was his persistence that lead to the creation of H-E-B's annual Feast of Sharing dinners, which after more than 30 years continue to spread joy to communities throughout Texas and Mexico every year. Eddie also established H-E-B's Help End Hunger campaign and led efforts to establish the first food bank in Mexico. For his pioneering efforts in hunger relief, he was often known in the industry as the "Godfather of Food Banking."

After retiring from H-E-B in 1999, Eddie's dedication to serving others continued.

He is remembered for doing all he could to give back and do the right thing. His commitment to service leaves a resounding impact on many communities.

In the words of Celia Cole, CEO of Feeding Texas, "Our hearts are broken but filled with his memory. He was a great man and a true hunger hero. Texas food banks will be eternally grateful for the role he played in building H-E-B's food assistance program and supporting the growth and evolution of food banking in Texas."

Eddie received multiple recognitions for his many contributions that honored the work he championed into retirement, such as the Hunger Hero Award and Regional Citizen Award.

As a master rose grower, Eddie had a special touch with flowers. He will forever be remembered for his unmatched skill in growing the most beautiful champion roses and for his role in the San Antonio Rose Society. He was awarded one of the highest honors for an amateur rose grower "The Nicholson Perpetual Challenge Bowl". Even after his retirement from H-E-B, he would show up at the corporate office and adorn desks with his prize roses, sharing them with everyone.

Eddie leaves behind a legacy of love for people that continues to inspire many. His love and unwavering dedication to his family lives on in the strong family bond he and his wife Minnie created together. There was nothing more important to Eddie than his beloved grandchildren who he and Minnie were fortunate to spend a great deal of time with, making them a paramount part of their lives.

Eddie was especially proud of his children and celebrated their life successes.

He is survived by his wife Minnie of 63 years. Minnie and Eddie had four children, Rosie Gamez, husband, Ernest Gamez, Luis A. Garcia, Teresa Jensen, husband, Richard Jensen and Ed Garcia, wife Amanda Garcia and 2 grandchildren, Colin Eduardo Jensen and Julian Cruz Garcia.

"Our entire H-E-B family grieves for the loss of Eddie, but he will remain in our hearts forever. A caring person who had a deep passion for people, Eddie truly embodied the H-E-B Spirit of Giving. Along with so many whose lives he touched throughout the years, I'm honored to have called Eddie a Partner and a friend. He leaves an indelible mark on us all". – Winell Herron, H-E-B Group Vice President

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the San Antonio Food Bank or the San Antonio Rose Society. Two of the passions closest to his heart.

The funeral service will be on Thursday January 21, 2021 at Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home 1701 Austin Hwy. San Antonio, Texas 78218 from 6pm to 9pm with a service at 7:00 pm.

Funeral will be on Friday January 22, 2021 at Ft. Sam Houston at 9:45am.

Covid-19 capacity, distancing, and masks restrictions will apply.