Richard V. Garza

Richard Garza, age 69, passed away at the Methodist Stone Oak Hospital on Thursday, December 28th, 2023. Richard is survived by his father John, his wife Sandra, his children Elysse (Isaac), Jason (Stephanie), and Jessica (Leandro), grandchildren Aubri, Maverick, Milena, Nico, and Luca, siblings John (Stella), and Mike (Liz), and numerous nephews and nieces. He is preceded in death by his mother Anita, brother Ruben, and daughter Jennifer.

Richard was born in San Benito, Texas on October 15, 1954, to John Garza and Anita Valdez. He graduated from Luther Burbank High School in 1973 and continued his education at the Baptist School of Nursing with an associate degree. He was working towards a bachelor’s to master’s program in nursing at the University of Incarnate Word. Richard joined the Air Force as a flight nurse and Captain and served in Operation Desert Storm in 1991. In May 2002, he married Sandra, a registered nurse, and his longtime soulmate. He also gained another daughter, Elysse, who he instantly loved dearly as his own. Richard’s love extended to his pets, including Daisy, Rudy, Bruno, and Violet.

Richard was a devoted husband and father. He enjoyed family time, golfing with his brothers, family vacations, especially cruises, and teaching CPR classes. He also loved listening and dancing to Jay Perez’s music with a cold beer, plenty of lemon and salt, and with his honey, Sandra by his side.

Richard enjoyed working as a vessel in bringing people to know our Lord. He enjoyed serving on ACTS, singing with St. James music ministry, assisting with Rosary ministry, organizing Christmas caroling on the river barge, leading St. James Men’s faith sharing group, and leading St. James ACTS Core as president.

Richard was truly a happy man. He was always smiling even while he would sleep. Richard was a well-prepared man. During music ministry at church, Richard would arrive early, always with an entire bag of instruments in hand. During men’s faith-sharing meetings, Richard would arrive an hour early with boxes of material as if he were attending a week-long conference.

Richard was a warm-hearted man of God, a consoler, and a confidant. He was kind and compassionate to everyone he met. Richard never complained and always made time to listen to those in need of guidance.

When a loved one passes, Jesus gains a lot more than we have lost, and yes, we all suffered a huge loss. Richard will be deeply missed by all of us. A great void will be felt in our family and community. But as we move ahead, we must remember and cherish all the beautiful memories we shared with him.

Jesus knows He has a glory that is far beyond anything this world can offer. He knows that a true sight of Him is worth more than millions of worlds. He knows that the sight of His glory will leave no one unsatisfied. Jesus is eager for his precious sons and daughter to enter true, eternal happiness with him, and our brother Richard is finally home.