Ronald G. Garza

Corpus Christi - "Glory be to God, Ronald Gene Garza was alive and he loved living. For his children, he was—he always will be—the sunlight in our growing. But he is not gone — Ron's legacy persists, constantly reminding those who knew him to be more kind with each other, to laugh a little more every day, and to rock on like the music knob is set to infinity. Because, as Ron would say, if the music is too loud, you're too old.

Anywhere there is music, Ron is with us, tapping his foot along; and inside cars, he is there, drumming on the steering wheel; and on the ocean, he is there, watching every sunset with a camera on his side.

Ronald Gene Garza was born in Corpus Christi on September 5, 1964, to Mary Alice Perez and Raymond Garza. The two would raise Ron into a man with boundless kindness and a total devotion to his God and family.

Ronald Gene Garza would later move to Chicago, Illinois. There, he would marry Lourdes Lugo and the two would create three children — Araceli Marie Garza, Veronica Jean Garza, and Juan Camillo Garza.

For his three children, Ron would work tirelessly — sacrificing his early dreams of being a rockstar but, in the process, he would discover the unending joy of fatherhood. This joy, he would constantly remind others, is the one with which he found his life's meaning.

Ron was not just a father to his children, though. In his 30+ years in the restaurant industry, Ron would also become a father figure to many, many employees and relatives. Through his love, Ron would take many to their first concerts, provide housing, and offer the priceless gift of advice and a sincere ear—always asking nothing in return.

Later in life, Ron would bring this same level of care to a new vocation in the lending business. Here, he would prove, once again, wherever he was, no matter the job, his strength of character followed. Ron would excel here; helping his organization to reach record numbers, while also leaving an indelible mark on the community through his indomitable work ethic and his deep humility.

Ron Garza was a man of many passions; he loved to watch the stars and could name the planets by sight; he loved cooking barbecue during the summer and he loved sharing it with his friends; he loved watching basketball games and he loved screaming along to Sunday football; he loved long drives to the mountains and he loved being in nature; he loved to jam out with his friends and he loved to play; he loved comedy specials and he loved action movies; he loved the smell of coffee and he loved making breakfast in the morning; he loved chocolate and he loved to share it; he loved woodworking and he loved the color of varnish; he loved Jesus Christ and he loved music that sang his lord's praise. He loved, he loved, he loved.

Ron's passing is a great loss. But the loss is even heavier to those that didn't know him. Because, for those that knew Ron, we carry a lifetime of rare memories that can't be extinguished from our hearts by any span of time or distance. And for this we are grateful.

Ronald's passing was preceded by his mother Mary Alice Perez and his brother Raymond Garza. Lovingly, he leaves behind his father, five sisters, three children, twelve nephews and nieces, and his two grandchildren, Joshua Garza and Gabriel Garza.

Next year, on February 10—the day of Ron's passing—a memorial celebration will be held in his honor. Here, we'll bring memories of Ron and let our laughter and cooking pay tribute to the remarkable joy his life spread.

Ron was, and he always will be, a great man."

GUARDIAN FUNERAL HOME