Ray E. Garza

Reynaldo Eliseo Garza Sr, age 79 years, passed away at home on February 28, 2023, in Pasadena, Texas, surrounded by his family.

Ray was born on July 22, 1943, in McAllen, Texas. He was the 10th of 12 children. Raised in a small home with lots of love and a strong Catholic upbringing. All siblings remained close throughout their lives. The importance of family is the legacy of the Garza family.

At the age of 14 he moved to Pasadena and lived with his older brother Henry. While attending Pasadena High school, he met Marjorie Nellie Smith. After graduation in 1963, they married on August 3rd and began a life together. He was 20 and she was 18. In the early years Ray carried a paper route, worked as an auto mechanic and worked in his Aunt Bertha’s Restaurant. In 1965 he hired on with Ethyl Corporation as a railroad car cleaner. Over the years he was promoted to the positions of chemical operator, shift foreman & finally superintendent. The company was bought by Albemarle Corporation, and he retired from them with 38 ½ years of service. After retirement, Ray remained an active member of the Ethyl/Albemarle Retirees club & was in charge if the newsletter for many years.

Ray and Margie were married 53 years. During that time, they experienced the loss of a newborn, adopted a son and were blessed with 3 more biological children. They raised their family in the Pasadena / Deer Park area and attended St. Hyacinth Catholic church.

Ray was the kind of guy who never had a cross word to say about anyone, rarely complained, led by example, and believed you should leave something in better condition than it was received. He was a quiet man, but when he spoke everyone listened and respected him. He was a generous man. If someone’s car broke down, he was there to tow you home. If you were moving, he was there with his trailer. If a grandkid needed to be picked up from school, no problem. 

Ray’s hobbies included fishing, woodworking, “tinkering” in his garage, barbecuing, playing poker, listening to music, going to the movies, and of course spending time with family. He was a t-ball coach and even a Girl Scout cookie chairman. 

He is survived by his sister Mary Lou Rikeman, his children Michael Allen Garza, Sally Ann Mitchell, Patricia Ann Gordon, Reynaldo Eliseo Garza Jr., grandchildren Elizabeth, Andrew, Allyson, Cole, Chandler, Chelsea, Ray, Isaiah, and McKenzie; great grandchildren Ryot, Amylia, Dovelynn, Odin, Kailynne, Rebekah, Lily, Preston, and Jaxson.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Enrique Guadalupe Garza and Josefina Baldereana; his siblings Queta, Beatrice, Viola, Henry, Irene, Ruben, Maggie, Olga, Grace, Helen; his wife of 53 years, Marjorie Nellie Smith; his son David Wayne Garza; great granddaughter Scarlette.++

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Funeral Service

Friday, March 10, 2023

9:30 AM - 12:00 PM

St Mary's Catholic Church

816 Park Drive
La Porte, Texas 77571

Graveside Service

Friday, March 10, 2023

1:00 PM

Grandview Cemetery

8501 Spencer Highway
Pasadena, Texas 77505

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