Rafael Garcia Jr.

RAFAEL GARCIA, JR. January 14, 1949 - September 2, 2014 Rafael Garcia, Jr., 65, was received into the arms of Jesus Christ on Tuesday, September 2, 2014, at a local hospital. Rafael was born in Laredo, Texas on January 14, 1949, to Rafael and Norma A. Garcia. He attended North Texas State University to pursue his Bachelor's Degree in Science/Education. It was during his college years that he met the love of his life, Isaura Tijerina. A love story began that has lasted for over four decades. Together, they formed a loving family. Rafael was a good son, loving husband, exemplary father, doting grandfather and a faithful friend. He was a man of integrity and lived his Christian values daily. Rafael was a wise and righteous man with a great sense of humor. He raised children who serve God in their jobs and by example. This includes educating children, serving the community, and making missionary trips to China, Africa and India. Rafael was an inspiring science teacher to his students and had a passion for the education field. He loved going to the ranch, gardening, growing plants and vegetables. Amongst other hobbies, Rafael enjoyed carpentry, building shelves and tables especially for his daughter's classroom. Above all, Rafael was a family man who dedicated his life to enriching the lives of his family. His legacy can be captured in Proverbs 22:6, which states, "train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." He is preceded in death by his beloved parents, Rafael and Norma Azucena Garcia Sr.; as well as by his mother in law, Dora P. Tijerina. Rafael is survived by his loving wife of 42 years of marriage, Isaura T. Garcia; children, Rafael Omar (Rosa) Garcia, Ediza Garcia, Psy.D, Norma Laura (Andy) Vera, Jr., and Veronica Garcia; grandchildren, Joshua Tyler Vera, Violette Rose Garcia, and Cristiano Andres Vera; siblings, Alejandro Antonio Garcia, Gerardo Javier (Dinorah) Garcia, Leticia Guadalupe Liendo, and Rolando David (Nora) Garcia; aunts and uncle, Irma Valdez, Sylvia (Fernando) Cruz, Mario (Priscilla) Salinas, and Clara (Willie) Moreno; father-in-law, Cayetano Tijerina, Jr.; brothers and sisters-in-law, Tito Humberto (Aminta) Tijerina, Dora (Ken) Hickle, Estela (Heriberto) Avalos, Maya Garza, Fernando A. Tijerina (Tony Gutierrez), Raquel (Enrique) Valdez, Cayetano (Rosa) Tijerina III, Carlos (Juanita) Tijerina, Linda Laura (Alberto "Bimbo") Garcia, Leticia (Robert) Henry, Guillermo (Cynthia) Tijerina, Hector "Tati" (Patricia) Tijerina, Omar (Rosaura "Wawi") Tijerina, and Patricia (Rolando) San Miguel. The family will be receiving guests the evening of Thursday, September 4, 2014, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapel; 1410 Jacaman Rd. A Celebration of Life service will commence at 7 p.m. A Graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, September 5, 2014 at the Calvary Catholic Cemetery. The procession will depart from the funeral home at 9:30 a.m. You may extend your condolences to the family online at www: joejacksonfuneralchapels.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to the funeral service professionals at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels, 1410 Jacaman Rd., Laredo, Texas 78041, (956) 722-8850.