Tony Solis

He was born February 7, 1956, in Bertram, Texas, to Trino and Concha Solis.

In his younger years, he worked in the coal mines of Utah before beginning what would become a lifelong career as a welder and ironworker. For more than 20 years, he served as Vice President of Solis Ironworks. Through years of hard work, sacrifice, and time spent away from home, he and his family built more than 200 Walmart stores across the country, along with numerous Sam’s Clubs, H-E-Bs, and hotel projects. Their reputation for quality and hard work made Solis Ironworks a preferred ironwork company for several general contractors, an accomplishment he took great pride in.

But there was much more to him than the work he did.

He was a friend to all and the kind of man who would give someone the shirt off his back. He loved fishing, barbecuing, boating, spoiling Nellie, being stubborn, and, generally speaking, doing anything he probably wasn’t supposed to be doing.

He had a stubborn streak and a way of doing things on his own terms. As he was known to say, “The only thing I have to do is be brown and die.”

He is preceded in death by his parents, Concha and Trino Solis, and his brothers, Julian Solis, Roy Solis, Johnny Solis, and Ernest Solis.

He is survived by his wife, Debra Solis; his beloved dog and constant companion, Nellie; his sons, Fabian Solis, Adrian Solis, and Dennis Oliver; his daughters, Demetria Solis and husband Billy Timmons, Sierra Solis and husband Bradley Cloud, and Jamie Leone and husband Joey Leone.

He is also survived by his grandchildren, Cora Jones, Corbyn Timmons, Bridget Cloud, Brooklyn Cloud, Walker Oliver, Hunter Oliver, Jacob Ensley, Samantha Sweet, and Isabella Leone; his much-loved fur-grandchildren, Chico Solis, Luna Timmons, Rocky Cloud, Rosie Cloud, and Buddy Cloud; his brothers, Felix Solis and wife Linda, and Tommy Solis; his sisters, Tina Lopez and Husband Joe Lopez, Sr., and Janie Solis; his first wife, Susie Solis; along with numerous extended family members and friends.

His family will remember a father and grandfather, and a man whose stubbornness was every bit as strong as his love for the people he called his own.

He spent 70 years doing things his way, so it seems only fitting that he left this world the same way: on his own terms, on his own time, and surrounded by the people who loved him most.

And if Heaven has rules, we can only hope they’re prepared. Because he probably isn’t going to follow those either.

The visitation for family and friends will be held from 5-7 pm on Tuesday, October 20 at Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home. The graveside service for Tony will be held at Strickling cemetery at 1 pm on Wednesday, October 21.