Aureliano "Willie" Garcia, 93, a resident of Ralls, Texas, passed away peacefully, with his family by his side, on September 11, 2024.

Willie was born on June 15, 1931, just a mile away from his beloved ranch in Spur, Texas. He is survived by his wife, Lupe. It was while playing his saxophone at his father's dance hall in downtown Spur, that he immediately noticed Lupe Gaona, and two years after that meeting, they were married on January 21, 1950.

He began working as a farmer-rancher in his early teens, and up until four weeks, prior to his death, he rode to his ranch one last time to tend and count newborn calves. Although he could no longer walk among his herd, an orphaned bull, which he raised from birth, greeted Willie at the pick-up truck window for Willie to pet his head. He was also a committed servant and served as Deacon of St. Michael's Catholic Church in Ralls. He was a man of faith and every morning he watched the holy mass on the Catholic Channel and ended each day praying with his wife as they held hands. In addition to rancher and deacon, his true passion was his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great grandfather (PoPo) who took pride in his large family.

Those left to hold precious memories of him include his wife, Lupe Garcia and eight children: Sylvia Hollingsworth (Bill), Frank Garcia (Velma), Roy Garcia (Theresa), Rick Garcia, Raymond Garcia (Mary Helen), Abel Garcia, Suzanne Reese (Mark) and Dianne Mata (Pano). He also survived by 14 grandchildren, 33 great children, 2 great-great grandchildren and his dog, Silver. He is survived by one brother, Joe John Garcia. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Margarito and Juanita Garcia; his parents, Luis and Loretto Garcia, his brothers and sisters, Anita Olivarez, Pete (Pedro), Jack (Calletano), Margarito, Lawrence, Julia Puente, Francis Navarro, and Andres.

Visitation is 6:00 - 7:00 pm followed by a Rosary, 7:00 p.m. at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Ralls. Funeral service will be Saturday, Sept 14, 10:00 am, followed by burial for his final resting place at his cherished Garcia Ranch, at the family cemetery, in Spur, Texas.