William "Bill" Jose Garcia

William Jose Garcia, 63 years of age, passed away September 20, 2013 at Medical Center Hospital in Odessa, Texas surrounded by his loving family. He was born September 29, 1949 in Fort Davis, Texas to loving parents Jose and Isabel Garcia. He married Evelyn Almanza on July 29, 1978 in Odessa, Texas.

He was a 1969 graduate of Fort Davis High School; he attended Sul Ross State University and received his Bachelors and Master’s Degrees in Education. He was employed for 30 years with Ector County Independent School District and retired from his position as principal in 2006. He worked his way through college from 1969-1973, working as a park ranger at the Fort Davis National Historic Site. He began his career with the school district as a coach at Hays Elementary in Odessa in 1973.He was also a Head Football Coach and Athletic Director in South Texas. He transitioned from coach to Assistant Principal at Odessa High School. Throughout the years he worked as a principal at several Odessa schools including The Alternative Center, Travis, Cavazos and Bonham Jr. High.

William was a devout Catholic, and lived a good Christian life. William and Evelyn had a one of a kind, loving marriage that lasted almost 36 years. They enjoyed each other’s company, and were best friends until the end. They enjoyed doing many activities together and loved traveling. There wasn’t a time you ever saw one without the other, because they never left each other’s side. Their special nicknames for each other were “Sweets” and “Sugar.” William loved family gatherings, hosting barbeques and enjoyed spoiling his nieces and nephews, whom he treated like they were his own children and grandchildren. He always made the kids laugh, and was a kid at heart. He always instilled great morals in the kids and always had encouraging words for all of them. He enjoyed the company of his good friends and reminiscing with Luis Salcido, Fidel Granado and Hector Mendez. He was an avid Dallas Cowboy fan, and he and Evelyn never missed a game. William was always ready to help anyone in need and everything he did, was done with a smile. He was loved and appreciated by many and will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his best friend and soul mate, wife Evelyn Almanza Garcia of Odessa, his pride and joy daughter Linda Eve Garcia, his loving son Billy II (Margie) Garcia, 2 grandchildren Crystal and Billy Garcia III all of Odessa, his parents Jose and Isabel Garcia of Fort Davis, 2 brothers Joe (Blasa) Garcia of Odessa, Robert (Emelda) Garcia of Lubbock, Sister-In-Law and Best Friend Geneva Ybarra Holland, Brother-In-Laws, who he always considered brothers, Benny Almanza of Odessa, Pete (Mary Ann) Almanza of Dallas, 19 nieces and nephews, 9 grand nieces and nephews, 2 great grand nephews.

Visitation and funeral arrangements are under the direction of Odessa Funeral Home. The Rosary will be at 7 p.m. Wednesday September 25, 2013 . A celebration of his life will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday September 26, 2013 at St Joseph Catholic Church with Father Frank Chavez presiding. Interment to follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens.

Pallbearers will be Billy III Garcia, Marc Anthony Almanza, Caleb Almanza, Paul Anthony Almanza, Brandon Ybarra, and Christopher Garcia.

The family would like to thank all the staff at Medical Center Hospital from the fourth floor ICU, the emergency room, hospital Chaplain Steve Kelley, Father Frank Chavez, Mission Odessa, (Shirley Almanza), Odessa Funeral Home and the many caring friends and relatives who offered prayers, food, cards, concern and support during this difficult time. We would like to give a special thanks to Paul Almanza, who dedicated many selfless hours to be with the family, especially Evelyn and Linda. Thanks to Geneva Ybarra Holland, Yvonne Ybarra-Pena, and Benny Almanza who spent countless hours supporting the Garcia Family.