Hector Torres Pedraza Sr.

Hector was born in Matehuala, San Luis Potosí, Mexico, to Gildardo Pedraza and Maria Torres. He became a proud naturalized citizen of the United States on November 30, 1972. In 1956, he married the love of his life, Josephine Torres, and together they made their home in Corpus Christi, raising five children and building a life rooted in love, faith, and hard work.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 68 years, Josephine Torres Pedraza, and their children: Magdalena Rivera (Orlando), Rosaalva Pedraza Davila, Diana Pedraza, Alejandro Pedraza (Betty), and Hector Pedraza, Jr. (Iliana). He was a beloved grandfather to Lucas Rivera (Shannon), Sara Rivera-Long, Alejandro Pedraza, Jr., Hector Pedraza III (Miriam), Rebekah Rivera-Smith (Adam), Rachelle Pedraza, Benjamin Pedraza (Alexandra), Monica Eliana Luszczyk (Daniel), Brianna Pedraza, and Erika Pedraza. His legacy continues through his great-grandchildren: Noemi Rivera-McHugh, Alejandro Pedraza III, Kairi Pedraza, Estevan Rivera-Long, Leonidas Pedraza, Callie Ramos-Rivera, Milena Rivera-Long, Adan Smith-Rivera, and Eliyahu (Heavy Boy) Smith-Rivera. He is also survived by his sisters Oralia Diaz de Leon, Guadalupe Martinez, and Rosa Blanco, and is lovingly remembered by numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gildardo and Maria; his brothers Gildardo, Filiberto, Juan Antonio, Pablo, and Cuauhtémoc; his sisters Otilia and Carmen; his parents-in-law, Placido and Rosa Reyna; and his brother-in-law, Apolonio Torres.

Though he did not pursue a formal higher education, Hector was an exceptionally talented and skilled worker. His natural aptitude for hands-on work spanned many trades, including construction, automotive repair, and electrical work. He also had a creative side and enjoyed tinkering with welded jewelry—an expression of both his craftsmanship and imagination.

Hector was a certified Master Welder, working for 21 years at Coastal Iron Works before retiring. Never one to remain idle, he returned to the workforce for another 11 years at Anderson Machinery. He took great pride in staying busy, especially when it came to caring for the home he built from the ground up alongside his father-in-law, Placido. Every beam, nail, and brick reflected his hard work, craftsmanship, and dedication to providing a lasting legacy for his family.

Above all, Hector’s deep and abiding faith guided every aspect of his life. His relationship with the Lord was his greatest priority, followed closely by his love for his wife Josephine, their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He lived a life of integrity and unwavering Christian faith—one that not only spoke of God's love, but demonstrated it through action. He didn’t just talk the talk; he walked the walk. His legacy of faith and love is a blessing to all who knew him.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, August 11, 2025, at 1:00 PM at Memory Gardens Funeral Home, followed by a reception at the same location. The service will be officiated by Orlando Rivera. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to Hector’s favorite charity, Smile Train, at http://support.smiletrain.org.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to:

CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Shoreline: For the loving and compassionate care provided by the dedicated nurses, doctors, and specialty staff.

Memory Gardens: For their prompt, professional, and benevolent support during this difficult time.

Our dear friends and community: For your prayers, loving support, flowers, and meals.