ELIGIO “LEE” GARCIA
Eligio “Lee” Rodriguez Garcia, age 78 of Albany, passed away Sunday, Jan. 17, 2021. A private family-only funeral mass will be held at 9:30 a.m., Friday, Jan. 22 at Jesus of Nazareth Catholic Church with Father Prakash Dias officiating. Interment will follow at 10:45 a.m. at Albany Cemetery under the direction of Morehart Mortuary.
Everyone is welcome to attend the graveside service, however, the family is requesting that everyone social distance and pay your respects from a distance. The family will also have a private Rosary at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 21 at Morehart Mortuary of Albany.
Lee was born at home and delivered by his grandmother, Petra Garcia, on Feb. 8, 1942 in Anson, Texas to Andres and Carmela Dominguez Rodriguez Garcia. On Nov. 3, 1962, Lee married Belia Ruiz in Stamford, Texas. The couple moved to Albany in November of 1970.
Lee worked for Baker Oil Company, R.H. Supply until 1980, then went on to work for C.E. Jacobs Co. until he retired in 2008.
Lee was a cherished member of Jesus of Nazareth Catholic Church in Albany. He also served as a member of the Knights of Columbus and was a Trustee for the Albany Jaycees.
He loved the game of baseball and was involved in the Little League Association, Junior/Senior League, as well as Women’s Softball League (Super Chicks) of Albany for many years as a coach. He spent most of his coaching career with the youth of Little League, teaching the game as the coach for the Indians.
In 1994, the Albany Chamber of Commerce honored him at their annual banquet. He was recognized by the Albany Baseball Association for the 20-year dedication to the youth of Albany.
Lee always supported his children, enjoyed his grandchildren, and was even blessed to see his great-grandchildren.
He always had a contagious smile that would brighten your day. Lee was never shy to speak to anyone, was always willing to help friends in need, and loved sharing his blessings as well as his faith. Even with a limited grade school education, Lee had a PhD in the matters of life, love, and blessing those around him.
Lee was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Eligio Garcia, Jr.; one grandson, Javiel Garcia; and one brother, Alvino Garcia.
Lee is survived by his wife of 58 years, Belia Garcia; two sons, Jamie Garcia and wife Kristen, Michael Garcia and wife Christina; two daughters, Lillian Wheeler and husband Bruce, Yolanda Peacock and husband Ricky all of Albany; three brothers, Raymond Garcia and wife Sandy of Knox City, Lupe Garcia of Anson, Andres Garcia, Jr. and wife Ruth of Lampasas; two sisters, Nancy Salinas, Alice Ramos and husband Salvador, both of Anson; nine grandchildren, Tony Wheeler and wife Erica of Albany, April Parr and husband Jason of Brock, Christopher Brusuelas of Grand Prairie, Courtney Smith and husband Jake of Albany, Reyna, Larson, Morgan, Ansleigh, and Mayson Garcia; nine great grandchildren, Alexia “A.J.” Garcia, Lute and Lyle Wheeler, Jacob Veselka, Ryan, Braili and Audrey Parr, Mia and Olivia Smith; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
The pallbearers will include Jamie Garcia, Michael Garcia, Bruce Wheeler, Ricky Peacock, Tony Wheeler, Jason Parr and Jake Smith. Honorary pallbearers are Raymond Garcia, Lupe Garcia, Andres Garcia, Jr., Rudy Ruiz, Larry Shelton, Glen Picquet, Juan Rodriguez and the Albany Class of ’88.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Educate the Children Bolivia and The Albany Community Chest which may be left at Morehart Mortuary. Condolences may be made online at www.morehartmortuary.net. PD
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