Rafael D. Garcia

Rafael D. Garcia, 88, of Brownsville, Texas, entered into eternal rest on January 17, 2024.  He was born on August 19, 1935, in Brownsville, to Leonor Davila Garcia and Francisco R. Garcia.

Ralph, as he was known, was a lifetime resident of Brownsville and graduated in 1954 from Brownsville High School where he was a member of the track team.  Following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and was stationed in Korea and Okinawa, Japan.  While stationed at the Naha Air Force Base, Ralph earned a spot on the Air Force Base baseball team where he was an outstanding center fielder.  He was selected to the league all-star team after he batted over .415, which was the league’s second-best average.  Upon his honorable discharge from the military, he enrolled at Texas Southmost College and earned a spot on the Scorpion’s baseball team.

After college, Ralph embarked on his career as an entomologist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).  His work entailed the study of the boll weevil, aimed toward their eradication. He authored studies of his work which were published.  Upon his retirement from the USDA, Ralph continued his employment with the school district as a teacher aide.

Ralph always did his best to make a positive impact in the world and was active in the community.  He was a dedicated and active member of St. Joseph Catholic Church.  He was a coach at West Brownsville Little League for several years.  Ralph was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus, Council 1553, as a 4th degree member.  He did his best to grow the Knights organization and always tried to recruit new members for the next generation.  He truly lived by the Knights of Columbus central vision to engage in charitable works, to serve the Church, to support brother Knights, to act for the good of the country, and to give aid to those in need.  

Ralph is preceded in death by both his parents; his sisters, Amanda Falcon and Ernestina Soto; his brother, Frank Garcia; and granddaughter, Jennifer Flores.  He is survived by his wife, Emilia Garcia; his children, Linda, Delia, Debbie, Diana, and Ralph Jr.; 10 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; and his sister, Dora Betancourt.

Visitation is scheduled from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with recitation of the Holy Rosary at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, January 22, 2024 at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home. Chapel opens at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 23, 2024 at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home. Mass of Resurrection is to be held at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church and interment is to follow at 2:00 p.m. at Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery in Mission, TX.

Services are under the guidance of Sunset Memorial Funeral Home, Crematory & Flower Shop. 657 Springmart Blvd., Brownsville, Texas. (956) 350-8485

To send flowers or a plant to the family in the memory of Mr. Rafael D. Garcia please visit Didi’s Flower Shop at Sunset Memorial, place your order online at https://didisflowershop.com/shop or call (956) 572-3872.