Dr. Russell Garcia Jr.

He was born on October 27, 1935, at his parents’ home on Hickory Street in Houston’s Sixth Ward. He graduated from San Jacinto High School in 1954 and earned an associate degree from Lee College in 1956 before moving on to the University of St. Thomas. At St. Thomas he met lifelong friend Richard Ramirez, now Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Las Cruces, New Mexico. Russell’s pursuit of education was briefly interrupted by a stint in the U.S. Army, which allowed him to see the country beyond the piney woods of East Texas for the first time.

Russell earned his master’s degree in science from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas. His academic career culminated in a doctorate degree in biology from the University of Texas at Austin in 1972. He wrote his dissertation on the education of biology students in the community college setting.

Russell met the love of his life, Rita Bolin, when they were working in the virology and cytology departments, respectively, at M.D. Anderson and he asked her to join his football pool. The two married in 1964 at St. Jerome’s Catholic Church in Spring Branch, Houston. Though they are both Houston natives, Rita and Russell found community, raised their children, and established their careers in San Antonio, Texas, the city they called home for over 50 years.

Russell’s life mission was to help students realize their full potential through education. He taught science at the middle and high school levels but ultimately dedicated 48 years of his career to teaching future nurses anatomy and physiology at San Antonio College. Outside of his professorial role, he taught GED courses through the Literacy Council. He volunteered his time as a science fair judge for all grade levels. For many summers, he directed the Pre-Freshman Engineering Program, which engaged select middle school students in exciting STEM classes at college campuses across San Antonio. Every day he encouraged his students to be “prodigious.”

Sports held a special place in Russell’s heart. He coached many basketball and football teams, including his children’s. He held officer roles, including president, in the Catholic Youth Organization at St. Luke’s, where his children attended school. Believing the body was made to move, he played pick-up basketball games at the SAC gym well into his 70s. Anytime his Longhorns were playing, no matter the sport, Russell was surely tuned in.

Special thanks to the team at Oasis Hospice who provided excellent care in Russell’s final weeks on Earth.

Russell is preceded in death by his parents, Russell Garcia, Sr. and Rosie Nava de la Fuente, and his sister, Alice P. Crockett.

He is survived by wife Rita Garcia, children Gregory (Shannon) Bolin, Jennifer (Brett) Heath, Ken (Darian) Garcia, grandchildren Kaitlyn (Peter) Bailey, Colton (Tannar) Bolin, Jake (Rachel) Bailey, Courtney (Jay) Warner, and great-granddaughters Rita Mae Bailey and Grayson Amber Bolin, plus sisters Rachel Villareal, Alma Morales, and Jane Garcia, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life service for Russell will be held Saturday, April 29, 2023 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Forest Park The Woodlands Funeral Home & Cemetery, 18000 Interstate 45 S, The Woodlands, TX 77384. A committal service will occur Saturday, April 29, 2023 from 3:00 PM to 3:30 PM, 18000 Interstate 45 S, The Woodlands, TX 77384. A reception will occur Saturday, April 29, 2023 from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM, 18000 Interstate 45 S, The Woodlands, TX 77384.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.forestparkthewoodlands.com for the Garcia family.