May 8, 1938 – September 3, 2023

          Nemencio “Junior” Garcia, Jr. went to be with the Lord on September 3, 2023, at age 85. He was born to Nemencio Garcia, Sr. and Victoria Vann Garcia on May 8, 1938, in Port Arthur, Texas. Junior was a 1957 graduate of Lutcher Stark High School in Orange, Texas. While still in high school, he enlisted in the United States Naval Reserves. After graduation, he served in the Navy for 2 years aboard the U.S.S. Franklin Delano Roosevelt in the Mediterranean Sea.

          Junior met Refugio “Ruth” Valverde Garcia, his beloved wife of 62 years, in 1957. They were married on September 17, 1961, and had two sons: Michael Kevin (1962) and Gordon David (1966). The family settled into their home in Webster, Texas, in 1975. Junior was a devoted and loving husband and father who received tremendous joy from spending time with his family. The family has always been very close-knit and prioritized making lasting memories together.

          Junior began his medical career as a Registered Lab and X-Ray Technician in Sealy, Texas. He later studied Nursing at Alvin Community College (ACC), where he was a Cum Laude graduate. Other honors he received while attending ACC were admission to Phi Beta Kappa academic honor society and inclusion in Who’s Who Among Students in American Junior Colleges. After graduation, he was a Cardiac Care ICU Nurse for Dr. Denton Cooley at St. Luke’s Hospital in the Texas Medical Center. Following his nursing career, Junior was a Chemical Analyst for more than two decades at AMOCO Chemical Plant in Chocolate Bayou.

          Throughout his entire life, Junior was a devout Catholic who held an unwavering faith in God. He and Ruth led by example, starting nearly every morning together praying the Rosary. Junior’s loved ones often sought out his advice. He was easy to talk to, and he always offered them wise counsel. Junior enjoyed working with Ruth in the family’s flower gardens and yard, watching countless Houston Astros games – including attending the 2017 World Series – with his sons, and listening to country music (especially Merle Haggard).

          Junior joins his parents Nemencio and Victoria, son Gordon, brother Arthur, and sister Annie in Heaven. He is survived by his loving wife Ruth; son Michael and daughter-in-law Wendy; sister Bertha Werkheiser; brothers-in-law Adolph Valverde, Jr. and Pete Valverde; sister-in-law Mary Valverde Hess; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, and friends.

“See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared.” Exodus 23:20