Israel U. García

Israel U. García went home to our Father on February 6, 2016, at the age of 75, surrounded by his loving family. Israel was born to Ubaldo and Consuelo García in Salineño, Texas on July 12, 1940. He grew up in Chapman Ranch, Texas, where he earned the nickname “CEO” (Consuelo’s eldest offspring) amongst his siblings. In 1967, he became the first Hispanic to be hired as department manager at Sears where he worked for twelve years before pursuing his love of teaching. He received his Bachelors of Science in Education in 1972 from Texas A&I University in Kingsville,Texas, which he proudly displayed by wearing his class ring every day. Israel taught elementary school for thirty years in the Corpus Christi Independent School District, where he met the love of his life Gloria (Cortez) García. Israel and Gloria were wed in June 1982 and were married for over thirty-three years. He was an active member of Holy Family Catholic Church, where he was involved in many ministries, including religious education, evangelization, as well as serving as a lector. Israel was known for his faith in God, his skilled guitar playing, his inspirational poetry and his unique sense of humor. He was a loving husband, father, brother and friend, and he lit up the lives of everyone he met.

He is preceded in death by his Father Ubaldo García, his mother Consuelo García, his brother Roberto García, and his brothers-in-law Homero Garza, and Narciso Luis.

He is survived by his wife Gloria García; his sons Ricardo Armando Gonzalez (Rachel Fling); Steven Israel Garcia (Rachael Holt); his daughters Allison Marie García (Matt Ramsey), Saundra Gayle (Jerry) Valdez, Christine E. (Art) Acosta; his siblings Hilda Luis, Herbey García (Lucia), Consuelo “Chelito” Rivera, Johnny García (Adela), Gracie Perez (Javier), Yolanda Saldaña (Benny), and Sammie Garza; and sister-in-law Yolanda García.

A visitation will be held Wednesday, February, 10, 2016 from 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. with a Rosary recited at 7:00 p.m. at Funeraria Del Angel – Memorial Holly, 3442 Holly Road, Corpus Christi, TX 78415. A Mass of Christian burial will be held Thursday, February 11, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church, 2509 Nogales Street, Corpus Christi, TX 78416. Interment will follow at Rose Hill Memorial Park.