Gregorio Benavides Jr., 69, passed away peacefully in his home in San Antonio, August 12, 2021, with his wife by his side. He was born on January 7, 1952.
Gregorio is survived by his wife of 45 years, Hilda; daughters: Jessica Ann (Troy) Caldron; Gabriela Margot Benavides; Raquel Naomi (Timothy) Bland. Grandchildren: Tori Alessandra (Shaye) Codling, Tyler Jon, Drew Allen, Dallin Joaquin, and Ivy Annalisa Caldron; Reuben Matthew Juarez; Amber Nicole Ramos, Raylan Colt and Scarlett Riley Bland. His sister, Juanita Benavides, nieces and nephews: Michelle Ann (Jaime) Cantu, Jeremy Alexander and Carolina Isabella Cantu; Jesus Alberto (Alexandra) Almendarez; Drs. Lisa (Jay) Shah, Paloma and Elian Shah. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends that will miss him.
He is preceded in death by his parents: Gregorio Sr. and Maria de la Luz Benavides; siblings, Maria Eugenia Almendarez and Rafael Benavides.
Gregorio attended local schools and graduated in 1971 from Martin High School. He enlisted and joined the United States Marine Corps in September 1971 and was Honorably discharged from active duty on August 24, 1973. He worked for several years for oil and gas companies and retired from the Texas Department of Public Safety as a Driver License Examiner. In 2013, he moved to San Antonio to live near two of his daughters, grandchildren and sister.
Gregorio enjoyed his early years, loved the outdoors, especially going to the family ranch in Zapata, Texas. His love for the outdoors extended to his life after his military service. He loved hunting, fishing and arrowhead hunting. His trips with his friends to Colorado, Lampazos, the coast, hill country and many ranches he was invited to, served as a reminder of his gratitude for his friends. The memories made from these trips served as great topics of conversation and lessons. The skills he learned being at the ranch and then the military served to teach his grandchildren. The love for God, family and country were instilled in him and continually reminded his family of it. He loved spending time with his grandchildren, his sisters and their children. All his grandchildren had a hand of service throughout his illness. Greg was loved by his family and will be greatly missed.
The family will be receiving guests on Friday, August 27, 2021, at Fred Dickey Funeral & Cremation Services from 5 PM to 9 PM. A memorial service will be held at 7 PM at which time family and friends are invited to share special memories of Greg. A chapel service will begin at 9 AM on Saturday, August 28, 2021, Interment will follow to the Calvary Catholic Cemetery.
Pallbearers: Jesus Alberto Almendarez, Timothy R. Bland, Dallin Joaquin Caldron, Drew Allen Caldron, Tyler Jon Caldron, Troy A. Caldron, Jeremy Alexander Cantu, Rodolfo V. Castillo; Honorary Pallbearers: Raylan Colt Bland and Reuben Matthew Juarez (in absentia).
Family will be live streaming funeral services on Friday beginning at 5 PM at www.freddickey.com
Funeral arrangements under the direction of Fred Dickey Funeral and Cremation Services, 1320 Trey Dr, Laredo, Texas 78041 (956-723-3611).