Mike B. Garza

Mike Besa Garza Jr., 94, of Austin, Texas, passed away peacefully in his sleep on October 29, 2026. In his last hours, he was surrounded by the love and comfort of his wife, two children, daughter in-law, and all his grandchildren. Born on October 13, 1932, in Austin, Texas, Mike was the eldest child of Miguel L. Garza and Amelia (Besa) Garza. He was preceded in death by his beloved parents; his brothers, Alex Garza and David Garza; and his sister, Isabel Zapata.

Mike and Virginia first met in junior high school, beginning a lifelong love story that grew stronger as they remained sweethearts throughout their years at Austin High School. Their love would stand the test of time as Virginia would become his beloved wife, devoted partner, and lifelong companion.

Following his graduation from Austin High School, Mike proudly answered the call to serve his country, enlisting in the United States Marine Corps in 1952. During his four years of service, he was stationed in Hawaii, where he served as an aircraft mechanic until his honorable completion of service in 1956. His time in the Marines was a source of great pride.

Upon returning home to Austin, Mike rekindled his romance with his high school sweetheart, Virginia. The two went on to marry and build a life together. During this same chapter of his life, Mike pursued his interest in architecture and design, studying to become an architectural draftsman at Durham Business College. It was there that an instructor recognized his talent and potential, took him under his wing, and recruited him to join a newly established architectural firm, Danze & Davis Architects. What began as an opportunity soon became a remarkable 40-year career. Mike devoted his professional life to designing custom homes, ranging from modest starter houses to magnificent multimillion-dollar estates. His creativity, meticulous attention to detail, and pride in his craftsmanship were evident in his work.

Mike's creativity extended far beyond his professional career. A man of many talents, he had a lifelong appreciation for art and the satisfaction of creating something with his own hands. Following his retirement, he embraced these interests with renewed enthusiasm, with woodworking and painting becoming two of his greatest passions. Whether carefully crafting something from wood, bringing a canvas to life with paint, or tackling a project around the house, Mike found joy in working with his hands and expressing his creativity. He was also a remarkably capable handyman, always willing to put his skills and ingenuity to good use.

Above all, Mike's greatest accomplishment was the family he built with Virginia. Together, they shared 67 years of marriage, raising their children and watching their family grow through generations.

Mike is survived by his beloved wife, Virginia Garza; his daughter, Kathy Galaviz; his son, Michael Garza, and his wife, Irene; and his seven cherished grandchildren: Ryan Galaviz, Nicholas Galaviz and his wife, Chelsea, Adrian Galaviz, Victoria Galaviz, Michael Garza, Stephen Garza and his wife, Kayla, and Vanessa Garza. He is also survived by his great-grandson, Nolan Galaviz.

Mike leaves behind a legacy of creativity, craftsmanship, and devotion to family. Though he will be deeply missed, his memory will live on in the homes he designed, the art he created, and the lives he touched.

Visitation and viewing will be from 11:00am to 1:00pm on Friday, November 13, 2026, with a rosary to be recited at 1:00pm, and a brief celebration of his life, including the sharing of cherished memories and reflections at 1:30 p.m. at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, 2620 South Congress Avenue, Austin, TX.