OBITUARY

Eduardo "Eddie" Jose Garcia

January 29, 1937 – January 10, 2021
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Eduardo "Eddie" Jose Garcia

Eduardo "Eddie" Garcia was a man of great character who embodied the essence of service to others. He lived a full life overflowing with passion for his family, his business, his talent for growing prize roses, and for his commitment to community.

Eddie died January 10, 2021. He was 83.

Eddie served in the military from 1961 – 1964, where he served as a Mess Steward. During his time he received the Bronze Star Medal of Honor. Eddie continued his service in the reserves and was honorably discharged.

Born in Laredo, Texas on January 29, 1937 to Eduardo and Josefina Garcia, Eddie was raised with strong family values, a passion for people, and an insatiable work ethic, which built a long successful 45-year career with H-E-B. Eddie founded the H-E-B Hunger Relief program and was honored as the namesake for the first H-E-B mobile kitchen used for H-E-B's renowned disaster response. Eddie's sincere passion for people inspired many, and it was his persistence that lead to the creation of H-E-B's annual Feast of Sharing dinners, which after more than 30 years continue to spread joy to communities throughout Texas and Mexico every year. Eddie also established H-E-B's Help End Hunger campaign and led efforts to establish the first food bank in Mexico. For his pioneering efforts in hunger relief, he was often known in the industry as the "Godfather of Food Banking."

After retiring from H-E-B in 1999, Eddie's dedication to serving others continued.

He is remembered for doing all he could to give back and do the right thing. His commitment to service leaves a resounding impact on many communities.

In the words of Celia Cole, CEO of Feeding Texas, "Our hearts are broken but filled with his memory. He was a great man and a true hunger hero. Texas food banks will be eternally grateful for the role he played in building H-E-B's food assistance program and supporting the growth and evolution of food banking in Texas."

Eddie received multiple recognitions for his many contributions that honored the work he championed into retirement, such as the Hunger Hero Award and Regional Citizen Award.

As a master rose grower, Eddie had a special touch with flowers. He will forever be remembered for his unmatched skill in growing the most beautiful champion roses and for his role in the San Antonio Rose Society. He was awarded one of the highest honors for an amateur rose grower "The Nicholson Perpetual Challenge Bowl". Even after his retirement from H-E-B, he would show up at the corporate office and adorn desks with his prize roses, sharing them with everyone.

Eddie leaves behind a legacy of love for people that continues to inspire many. His love and unwavering dedication to his family lives on in the strong family bond he and his wife Minnie created together. There was nothing more important to Eddie than his beloved grandchildren who he and Minnie were fortunate to spend a great deal of time with, making them a paramount part of their lives.

Eddie was especially proud of his children and celebrated their life successes.

He is survived by his wife Minnie of 63 years. Minnie and Eddie had four children, Rosie Gamez, husband, Ernest Gamez, Luis A. Garcia, Teresa Jensen, husband, Richard Jensen and Ed Garcia, wife Amanda Garcia and 2 grandchildren, Colin Eduardo Jensen and Julian Cruz Garcia.

"Our entire H-E-B family grieves for the loss of Eddie, but he will remain in our hearts forever. A caring person who had a deep passion for people, Eddie truly embodied the H-E-B Spirit of Giving. Along with so many whose lives he touched throughout the years, I'm honored to have called Eddie a Partner and a friend. He leaves an indelible mark on us all". – Winell Herron, H-E-B Group Vice President

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the San Antonio Food Bank or the San Antonio Rose Society. Two of the passions closest to his heart.

The funeral service will be on Thursday January 21, 2021 at Sunset Memorial Park Funeral Home 1701 Austin Hwy. San Antonio, Texas 78218 from 6pm to 9pm with a service at 7:00 pm.

Funeral will be on Friday January 22, 2021 at Ft. Sam Houston at 9:45am.

Covid-19 capacity, distancing, and masks restrictions will apply.

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  • Visitation

    Thursday, January 21, 2021

  • Rosary

    Thursday, January 21, 2021

  • Graveside Service

    Friday, January 22, 2021

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Eduardo "Eddie" Jose Garcia

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Miguel Carranza

January 21, 2021

Minnie and family,
I had the honor to work with Eddie during my time in Public Affairs. It's amazing to see the good works he did in the community still active today. I remember many times him coming to my office asking to borrow a computer. He'd always ask "what are you working on Partner?" I'd tell him or show him the video , and he comment how H-E-B was changing , getting stronger. He'd always share stories with me of the warehouse and he'd mention names like Mackie Reasoner or Charlie Sapp. He would tell me some great stories of Mr. Butt senior coming to visit the warehouse and they drive him around in a golf cart...

The thing that id like to share most is when we do MWT service awards lately how many guys who were celebrating 35 or 40 years would always say " I was hired by Eddie Garcia" or "Eddie was the guy who told me I could have a career with H-E-B. "
That to me was amazing that 40 years later his words still meant alot...
Minnie, Rosie and family my sincerest condolences to all of you.

Miguel Carranza

Margaret Garza

January 21, 2021

Minnie and Family,
Offering my prayers and condolences for you.

Eddie was an amazing person that will be tremendously missed and not forgotten.

Eddie was the true "Sprit of H-E-B" in how he set the example for all of us Partners in that how he respected everyone, made you feel like you are the most important person when he was talking to you, how he showed his compassion for many and made sure that his decisions were based on "it's the right thing to do".

Eddie thank you for all your chats.... I'll miss you. - M

Sharon Fernandez

January 21, 2021

We always knew Mr. Garcia as Terry's kind-hearted dad who grew the most beautiful roses. He was the strong silent type who always had a kind word and smile for us 'kids'. I love talking about his roses with him and he was always generous with his insights. We will miss him very much, but he leaves behind a loving legacy of family and devotion to others.

Wanda Knippa Polasek

January 21, 2021

Eddie was a wise, compassionate man, not to mention pretty cool, too. Always smiling. Minnie, this saddens me. I have you and Rosie in my thoughts and prayers.

Jackie & Bill Clark

January 20, 2021

We were so very sorry to hear of Eddie's passing ~ Garcia will be sorely missed by his Family and so many Friends & Acquaintances ~ our Condolences go out to the Garcia Family.
Our Special Friendship began in the Rose Garden and developed over the past 40 years ~
Many Fond Memories of Family & Extended Family Gatherings, Rose Conventions, Rose Shows & Judging Assignments across the country will always be with us ~
Muchas Gracias, Garcia & Minnie, for making us a part of your Special World ~
We look forward to meeting again in the Eternal Rose Garden some day.
May you Rest in Peace, Dear Friend ~
Lotsa Love ~ Jackie & Bill

Bud and Faye Little

January 19, 2021

From the Little's., Buchanan, Paccione families
Our deepest sympathies and much love goes out to Minnie and family
Bud and Eddie went back many years as high school friends in Laredo and rekindled their friendship as members of the Rose Society here in San Antonio
Bud 's memories of Eddie are many
.always filled with admiration for the great man he was.. I got to know Eddie thru SARS and he was very special to me also. We will miss him but know he is in God's tender care..and helping God by taking care of His rose garden
.Love to you Minnie,

Michael De La Garza

January 15, 2021

Eddie Garcia's blood ran H-E-B red. He was, and is, the true Spirit of H-E-B: A commitment to excellence and a passion for customer and community service. He was my friend, my mentor, my "father" -- he made so many things possible, that were considered impossible, because for Eddie, it was always, "whatever it takes!" I was so fortunate to have him in my H-E-B life. A few weeks ago we went to lunch and spent hours reminiscing and saying all the things friends should share with each other. I was looking to several more gatherings, but I'll settle for the great, great memory of his warm smile, his great mind, and his beautiful soul. I love you, Eddie, until the end of time. Minnie, and family -- may Eddie's journey to Rest in Peace bring you comfort and solace -- and may God bless you.

Marge Regalado Dempsey

January 15, 2021

As my uncle (Tio) I will always remember the love he had for us girls. As a child he always spent time with us and always made us laugh. Even though we did not get a chance to see him very often because we lived in different states he was always dear to our hearts and we always loved him dearly. He will be greatly missed.
Love to you the Regalado girls.

Alonso Gonzalez

January 15, 2021

We are sadden to learn of the passing of Mr. Eddie Garcia. He was always a great friend to our Laredo H.E.B. Partners. Our deepest & sincere condolences to the Garcia Family.

Mr. & Mrs. Mary and Alonso "Quate" Gonzalez
Mr. Jose Garza
Mr. Paulino Lucio
H.E.B. Partners - Laredo, Texas

Aida Juarez

January 15, 2021

A very good friend and nice we had good time in the feast of sharing. I always like talking to him HE will be miss lot RIP NEVER FOR GOTTEN

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