Rafael Garcia

November 19,1932 - February 16, 2017

Rafael (Ralph) Garcia, 84, CMSGT USAF (ret.) of San Antonio, Texas, was called by our Lord on February 16, 2017. Born in Laredo, Texas in 1932, Ralph was a 1950 graduate of Martin High School. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the United States Military and served our country honorably for 28 years. After his military service, he completed his BA at Southwest Texas State University. He was strong in his faith to our Lord Jesus Christ, family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Rafael V. and Amelia H. Garcia, and Ruby Garcia, wife of 37 years and mother of his children; siblings Amelia (Hector) Garcia, Lucy Contreras, Carlos Garcia and nephew David Contreras Jr. He is loved and will be missed by his three sons, Rodney (Jean Larson) Garcia, Ronald Garcia, Russell (Melissa Azua) Garcia; Grandchildren Rubianne Garcia, Julian Garcia, Christian Garcia, Jordan Garcia, Ian Garcia, Addison Garcia, Ryan Garcia, Noah Garcia; as well as his loving wife of 21 years, Blanca Sara R. Garcia and her children, Sandra (Dr. Felipe Esparza), Lorraine De Arrigunaga, Debra Puig, Dario Puig III, David (Veronica) Puig, siblings Graciela (Guadalupe C.) Martinez, Guillermo (Genoveva) Garcia, Roberto J. Garcia, Laura (Jose) Lopez, and Numerous nieces and nephews.

A private family service will be held March 9, 2017 at St Pius X Catholic Church, with interment at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Alamo Area Parkinson Support Group (AAPSG.org).

A message from Ralph:

Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free,

I'm following the path God laid for me.

I took God's hand when I heard his call,

I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day,

To laugh, to love, to work, to play.

Tasks left undone must stay that way,

I've found that peace at the close of the day.

If my parting has left a void,

Then fill it with remembered joy.

A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,

Ah yes, these things I too will miss.

Be not burdened with times of sorrow,

I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.

My Life's been full, I savored much,

Good friends, good times, a loved one's touch,

Perhaps my time seemed all too brief,

Don't lengthen it now with undue grief.

Lift up your heart and share with me,

God wanted me now, God set me free.

Arrangements under the direction of NEPTUNE SOCIETY - San Antonio, San Antonio, TX.