Jose "Joe" Garza

Jose “Joe” Garza, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and patriarch of our family, went to be with the Lord Thursday, February 2, 2023, at the age of 71. He was born January 19, 1952, in Taft, TX to Jose T. and Adelita F. Garza. He was the third youngest of ten siblings. He is survived by his loving wife, Maria Dolores Garza, who he adored, and with whom he enjoyed 52 wonderful years of marriage. They had six children: Joann Garza of San Antonio, TX, Joe Garza (Nayomi), Julie A. Rodriguez (Jesse), Joel Garza (Sarah), James A. Garza (Crystal) of Corpus Christi, TX, and Jacob A. Garza of San Antonio, TX. Thirteen grandchildren also survive him: Joe Alariq Garza, Zavion E. Garza, Jadyn B. Rodriguez, Dylan M. Rodriguez, Elyjah D. Rodriguez, Zoey Rodriguez, Noah J. Garza, Lilyana C. Garza, Jakoby J. Garza, Isaiah J. Garza, Jeremiah A. Garza, Josiah L. Garza and Alyna R. Garza. He is also survived by his sister, Elmida Garza and three brothers, Hector Garza of Dallas, TX, Alfredo Garza, and Ricardo Garza, of Corpus Christi, TX. He was preceded in death by his parents Jose T. and Adelita F. Garza, along with sisters Eva C. Silvas, Andrea G. Alvarado, and brothers Gilberto F. Garza, Raul A. Garza, and Celedonio Garza. 

Joe’s favorite pastimes included fishing, camping, and listening to music, but his greatest joy was spending time with his grandkids. Everyone knew that wherever his family was, is where he wanted to be. He was a self-taught drummer from the early age of seven. He spent countless nights in his youth playing to earn money to help support his mother, who was raising him and his other siblings alone due to the sudden death of his father when Joe was just 5 yrs. old. One of the most recognized bands he played for was Los Dinos in the sixties. Because he was the youngest in the group, they affectionately called him “La Criatura.” He quit music temporarily to start his family, but then used his talent to serve the Lord as drummer for the worship team at Sinai Evangelistic Center for over 25 years. He spent many years serving his local church and was a current member of Church of Hope in Calallen, and a prior member of Sinai Evangelistic Center in Corpus Christi. While at Sinai, he served as a deacon, and Royal Ranger Senior Commander, where he loved investing his time and energy developing young boys into strong and responsible Christian men. On weekends, he and other volunteers would take the boys camping, fishing, and enjoying other outdoor activities. In his later years, he purchased a large bar-b-que pit because he wanted to use it for family and church events. He was a foodie and loved trying new things. He had an affinity for spicy food. His friends and family knew this and would bring him fresh chilis, which made him extremely happy.

Joe was one of the most dedicated and hardest working individuals you will ever meet. As a young man, he worked as an automotive paint and body professional. Then, the Lord blessed him with a job at Naval Air Station CC working as Paint & Body/Corrosion Control aircraft worker, where he worked for 30 years. This job was an answer to prayer. He took immense pride in his work and was meticulous in absolutely everything he did. Joe also believed in being on-time. Whether it was work or at home, he always wanted to be the first person to arrive. Joe was a man of great character and integrity. His values and work ethic have left an indelible imprint on his family and friends. While his love of family was immense, he loved his Savior above all else. His faith was the bedrock of who he was. Even as he struggled with his health in his final years and months, which would result in many recurring hospital stays, he endeavored to share his faith and God’s love with everyone, including his caregivers. At times, we would often catch him with tears in his eyes, and when asked why, he would say, “I just love God so much. I am so grateful to Him for my beautiful family. God is so good.” 

Papo, your absence has left an enormous hole in our hearts. We will continue to hear your words of love, guidance, and encouragement, and will forever be grateful for your life and the example you set for us all. We are who we are today because of you, and all the sacrifices you and mom made throughout our lives. We will carry this legacy with us from this day forward and are comforted by the hope that someday we will see you again. 

“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” Revelation 21:4

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Thursday, February 9, 2023, at Church of Hope with a prayer service to be held at 7:00 p.m. that same evening. Funeral service will be held at 11:30 a.m., Friday, February 10, 2023, at Corpus Christi Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow at Rosehill Memorial Park.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the doctors, nurses, and extended care teams who cared for Joe.