Ray Anthony Garcia

He was born on November 18, 1961 on a Saturday evening at St. Joseph Hospital, and was the first child of Tony and Enedina "Annie" R. Garcia. Ray graduated from Stephen F. Austin High School in 1981. He went on to lead a successful administrative career with notable law firms before finding his long-term home at Harris Health System as an Executive Administrative Assistant, where he retired after 28 years of exceptional service. Along the way, Ray formed many lasting relationships with colleagues and left an indelible mark on everyone he met.

Ray’s bright smile, charisma, joy for life, and sassy humor made him the life of every party — wherever Ray went, laughter and happiness followed.

Ray leaves behind his lifelong partner of 44 years, Rene Lerma; his sister, JoAnn Garcia-Wittkamp (Joe); his sister, Joyce Villanueva (Jesse); his brother, Tony Garcia; his sister, Judy Garcia-Silva (Robert); his brother, Leon Garcia (Selina); and his sister, Jennifer Garza (Anthony). Ray’s pride and joy were “his babies” — his nieces Amy, Sabrina, Samantha, Suzana, Enedina, Toni, and Ann; his nephew Dave; and his four grandnieces and four grandnephews.

He is preceded in death by his beloved parents, Tony and Annie.

A visitation will be held on Monday, May 5, 2025, at Forest Park Lawndale Funeral in the Grand Chapel from 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., with a Celebration of Life to take place at 7:00 p.m.

A visitation will take place on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at the Chapel of Angels, with a burial to follow at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery at 3:00 p.m.

Ray embraced life fully in spite of its ups and downs, up to his very last breath. May we all live as freely and love as fiercely as he did. “I’d rather regret the things I've done than regret the things I haven't done.” — Lucille Ball