Ernesto Roy Meave

Ernesto Roy Meave left this world peacefully on March 20, 2026 surrounded by many of his loved ones. He was born in 1953 in Weslaco Texas to Ernesto Z. Meave and Graciela Meave in Weslaco, Texas. His friends and family knew him simply as Roy. He was the favorite son, a big brother, husband, dad, grandpa and band mate to many. He is survived by his wife Olga Lydia Perez-Meave, his daughter Adina Marie Meave (Baldo), grandchildren Destiny Martinez, Joshua Rivas, Angelina Rivas and most recently, great grandson baby Ramsey. He leaves behind younger sisters Sarita Meave of Weslaco, Cristela (Carlos) Gonzalez of Roma, and Maryann (Roland) Handy of Weslaco, as well as five nephews, Charlie, Noel, Diego, Rolando Lee and Roman, and his niece Sarah. He is preceded in death by his parents Ernesto and Graciela Meave.

Musically inclined at an early age, Roy quickly mastered the accordion his father bought him when he was 7 years old. His lifelong love for music continued to blossom as he transitioned to guitars, first an acoustic and then after seeing the Beatles on the Ed Sullivan Show, an electric guitar. Later, as a teen, he participated in the Weslaco High School Choir as a tenor. He was named to the All State Choir, and also earned 1st division in the UIL Solo Ensemble. Following his passion, he first performed at high school events, eventually singing and playing guitar with his first band, Diamond Back, and would continue playing with many bands throughout the rest of his life. In the 1970’s he formed several bands including Born Yesterday, and later, Texas Pride. Composed of talented and exceptional musicians, Texas Pride won the Battle of the Bands in the Rio Grande Valley, and went on to compete at the Battle of the Bands at the famous “Texas Jam” on July 1, 1978. He was fortunate to see legendary bands live in concert that week including Aerosmith, Journey, Heart and the up and coming band Van Halen, as they debuted their first album Van Halen I. ZZ Top was also one of his favorite bands, and his family often recalls how he loved to belt out “La Grange” in the style of Billy Gibbons, randomly and often. On June 16th, 1981, he lovingly welcomed his only beloved daughter Adina Marie into his world, who changed his life for the better. Expanding his musical horizons, he began his career in Tejano music shortly after the birth of his daughter. He joined The Cactus Country Band, where his contributions included: lead guitar, slide guitar, backing vocals, accordion riffs and his trademark laugh. During this time he made many appearances on the Johnny Canales Show and rubbed elbows with a young Selena Quintanilla, Roberto Pulido Sr., Tejano icon Country Roland, and many more. He later joined the Army where he again participated in the US Army Fifth Infantry Band. In the 2000’s he went back to school and earned a bachelor's degree in Music Education, and later a second bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication, both at UTRGV. He went on to teach high school choir and elementary music at Donna ISD until he retired. He met his wife and soulmate, Olga, in 2006, which began a very happy and peaceful time in his life. Roy served as a mentor to many musicians throughout the years, and taught guitar to many students throughout the Valley. Highly proficient in guitar, bass guitar, piano and keyboard, he also enjoyed music production, working countless hours in his different studios. Roy continued to perform with various bands throughout the Valley, and also served as a session musician. Besides music, Roy especially loved woodworking, gardening, and later developed an interest in building solar powered off and on grid systems at home. A lifelong Weslaco native, Roy always enjoyed dining at his favorite restaurant, Keno Cafe, and looked forward to it on a weekly basis and became a friend to most of the staff. Roy was a force of nature in his prime, many agreed that he was not only musically gifted, but also very handsome in his youth. He was a giving and generous son and brother, always available to lend a helping hand if called or texted. Roy was also deeply spiritual and devoted to his Christian faith, finding comfort and guidance in the Bible throughout his life. He will be remembered for his many jokes which he would come up with on the spot. His sense of humor, distinctive laughter and his music will be remembered and deeply missed. In his next chapter, Roy will continue his music in the great big band in heaven. Peace and love be with our beloved Roy, “cousin,” dad, brother, husband, friend and band mate, always.

The Meave family would like to express our gratitude to the wonderful and caring nurses and doctors at STHS Hospital, STHS Heart Hospital and especially nurses Gio and “Jun” at DHR in Edinburg. We would also like to thank Father Francisco Solis of St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church in Weslaco.