TITLE: In memory of Raul Garza Jr.

SUMMARY: In memory of Raul Garza Jr.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas honors and commemorates the life of Dr. Raul Garza Jr., who died November 26, 2013, at the age of 82; and WHEREAS, Raul Garza Jr. was born June 11, 1931, in San Antonio; he grew up in Falfurrias and Corpus Christi, and he served in the United States Air Force and the United States Army; he received the Bronze Star for actions above and beyond the call of duty during the Korean War; and WHEREAS, After his military service, he earned a degree in pharmacy at The University of Texas; while attending the university, he met his wife of 56 years, Yolanda Lozano Garza; they raised five children together and were blessed with three grandchildren; and WHEREAS, He pursued a career in pharmacy and was the owner of Rio Grande Pharmacy in Harlingen for several years; he decided to follow his lifelong dream of practicing medicine and attended the Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara Medical School, where he earned his medical degree in 1974; and WHEREAS, Dr. Garza returned to the Rio Grande Valley to practice medicine, and in 1980, he established the Garza Clinic, where he attended to his patients with compassion, professionalism, and dedication until his retirement in 2010; and WHEREAS, Dr. Garza was also active in his community, most notablythroughhisinvolvementineducation;hewasoneof the first Hispanics to be elected to the school board in Harlingen, and he later served 17 years on the board of the San Benito Consolidated Independent School District, which paid tribute to him by naming the Dr. Raul Garza Jr. Elementary School in his honor; and WHEREAS, A man of strength, compassion, and humility, he gave unselfishly to others and believed in the dignity of each person, and his generous spirit and his enthusiasm for living each day to the fullest will not be forgotten; and WHEREAS, He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and he leaves behind memories that will be treasured forever by his family and countless friends; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 84th Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved family of Dr. Raul Garza Jr.; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for his family as an expression of deepest sympathy from the Texas Senate and that when the Senate adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Dr. Raul Garza Jr. Lucio President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on April 7, 2015, by a rising vote.