Vicente Garcia

Vicente Vazquez Garcia, Sr., originally from Lyford, TX passed away on July 14, 2025 at the age of 85. He was born in 1940 in Leon Guanajuato, Mexico, became a U.S. legal resident in 1971 and a naturalized American citizen in 2001.

After the early death of his mother and father at the early age of 5, Vicente endured unanticipated hardships throughout his childhood. These experiences helped to shape his spirit of resilience, determination and resolve, and a work ethic that was like none other. When he was older, he would come to south Texas regularly to work as a “bracero”. As a laborer, he worked in agricultural fields as well as in cotton gins. Locally, he was known as a skilled, self-taught concrete mason, constructing cement patios, driveways, and pilings. Everyone in town knew Vicente. With a handshake, he genuinely stood by his word, assuring those who commissioned him that the final product would be delivered with excellence; he stood by his word and his reputation stood strong!

Vicente was musically talented with a beautiful voice for Ranchera music. While unknown to many, he was recognized for his vocal talent, subsequently singing on Matamoros radio stations, and in 1986, he became an active member in the Sociedad de Actores, Autores, Compositores and Interpretes as a Compositor. His love of music remained with him throughout his life as he shared music with his family and friends. Loved ones fondly remember how at select family weddings and celebrations, he would take over mariachi performances, requesting particular songs and joining the band to sing as a featured vocalist. Music could always be heard on the patio of his Lyford home, including that of Vicente Ferandez, one of his favorite musicians.

Vicente’s love for his family was clearly visible. Through tough love and a heart of caring, he passed his work ethic and character on to his own children, teaching them that you never cut corners, and you always treat everyone with respect – no matter who they are! Each of them went on to achieve success and prestige in their respective careers’ thanks, in part, to the qualities partially instilled upon them by their father. The smiles that he shared with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren will forever be remembered. The nicknames that he gave his children and grandchildren - names such as “Boy Golly”, “Ugly Baby”, and others - will forever remain part of their identities.

As a member of the Lyford Apostolic Assembly Church, congregant members frequently asked him to sing El Tren de la Vida – a song which highlights the transient nature of life. Vicente shared his prayers and faith with his wife and others in the community. His family witnessed many prayers over the years – from those on his knees at his bedside to the dinner table blessings – all serving as an inspiration to his family. He is survived by his devoted wife, Cleotilde Garcia Garcia. Together, they have eight children: Lupita (Jose) Garcia of Harlingen; Efren (Berta) Garcia of Raymondville; Maricela (Gustavo) Alvarado of Harlingen; Vicente (Cassandra) Garcia of Simsbury, CT; Martin (Elizabeth) Garcia of Little Elm, TX; San Juanita Garcia of Lyford; Santos (Tere) Garcia of Bulverde, TX; and Samuel (Chrissy) Garcia of San Antonio. He considered himself blessed to have 20 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren and numerous nephews and nieces. Services will be held at Heavenly Grace Funeral Home in La Feria, Texas. Thursday July 17, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. with visitation hours 4:30-7:00 p.m. Interment is at the Lyford Evergreen Cemetery on Friday, July 18th, at 11:00 a.m.