Julian “El Pollo” Garza, Jr. was called to the arms of our Heavenly Father on Tuesday, April 25, 2017, at 5:10 p.m. in Kyle, Texas, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He had recently celebrated turning three quarters of a century, as he liked to tell all who would listen. As he took his last breath, he was surrounded by his loving wife and three generations of his loving family: his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Pollo, as he was affectionately known by all his family and friends, was born in Laredo but was raised in Encinal until his 8th birthday. He lived most of his life in Laredo, relocating to Kyle six years ago as his cancer progressed. Pollo graduated from Martin High School, where he was a southpaw star pitcher for the Tigers. He retired after serving the children of LISD for many years through the food department. On his spare time, he loved to visit the ranch, cook out, and spend time with his family. However, his greatest passion was gathering mesquite for firewood and selling it from his home. He took great pride in providing quality kindling to his customers. He was known as “El Señor de la Leña.”
He was preceded in death by his parents, Julian and Rosa L. Garza; brother, Celestino Garza; brother, Eduardo Lopez; sister, Maria Reyna; and his infant twin granddaughters.
Pollo is survived by Raquel Ramirez, his wife and best friend of 53 years; daughters: Patricia Garza, Priscilla (Juan A.) Reyna, Veronica (Eduardo) Velazquez, and son Saul (Ruby) Garza. Also left to cherish his memory are his grandchildren: Felipe Elizondo III, Roel Elizondo, Jennifer (Jose Luis) Rocha, Jacqueline A. Davalos, Trisha M. Reyna, Eduardo Velazquez, III, Roxanna (Ryan) Velazquez, Lilianna Velazquez, Markus Velazquez, Saul Garza Jr., Israel Garza, and Gabriela Garza; great-grandchildren: Yesennia Herrera, Roman J. Zapata Jr., Jenesee Zapata, Camilia Carrasco, and Analeya Carrasco. Brothers: Pedro (Delia+) Garza, Rogelio (Sylvia) Garza, Oscar Javier (Elizabeth) Garza, Jose Luis (Esther) Garza, Fabian (Patty) Garza; sister, Norma (Tirzo) Martinez, and numerous other relatives.
Pollo’s life will be celebrated on Saturday, May 13, 2017, from 12pm to 5pm, rosary at 4pm at Fred Dickey Funeral & Cremation Services located at 1320 Trey Dr. To honor his request, those attending are encouraged to wear his favorite color, Red.
Funeral arrangements are by Fred Dickey Funeral & Cremation Services, 1320 Trey Dr. Laredo, Texas (956)723-3611. You may leave condolences to the family online at www.freddickey.com