Roel Garcia's Obituary
Roel Garcia, beloved husband, father, brother, teacher, author, and friend, passed away surrounded by family. He was born in McAllen, Texas, into a loving family of nine children.
A proud 1976 graduate of McAllen High School, Roel went on to attend the University of Texas at Austin, where he graduated in 1979. He later earned his master’s degree from the University of Massachusetts Amherst
Roel dedicated 26 years of his life to education, serving as a schoolteacher and administrator who touched countless lives. Twice named “Bilingual Teacher of the Year,” he was admired for his dedication, humor, and compassion. Beyond the classroom, Roel was a natural coach, mentoring and encouraging children in the community for decades. Many of his former students went on to become successful professionals and never hesitated to thank him for the inspiration he provided along the way. Roel truly lived as a people’s person, always giving of himself to lift others up.
After his retirement from teaching, Roel became an accomplished author, publishing three well-loved books: Quetzal and Butterfly, Sacred Earth Border Skies: Voices of the Rio Grande Valley, and Injustice in the Field. His writing reflected both his creativity and his deep care for his community, earning appreciation from readers near and far.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Eufemia and Refugio Garcia, as well as siblings Rosa Elia Garcia, Rafael Garcia, Rene Garcia, and Israel Garcia.
Roel is survived by his devoted wife, Junrui Garcia; his son, Roel Garcia; his daughter, Rocio Salinas; his grandchildren Jaime Salinas, Neza Garcia, and Eleni Salinas; and his siblings Irma Garcia, Rogelio Garcia, Bella Diaz, and Ludivina Ortiz. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Roel Garcia’s life will be celebrated for the love he gave, the knowledge he shared, the books he penned, and the many lives he inspired. His legacy will live on through his family, his students, his readers, and the countless people whose paths he touched.
Viewing
Tuesday, September 23rd, 202505:00 PM to 08:00 PM (CST)
South Park Funeral Home 1310 North Main Street Pearland, TX 77581
Funeral Service Wednesday, September 24th, 202511:00 AM to 12:00 PM (CST)South Park Funeral Home 1310 North Main Street Pearland, TX 77581
Committal Service
Wednesday, September 24th, 202512:00 PM to 12:20 PM (CST)
South Park Cemetery 1310 North Main Street Pearland, TX 77581
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