Virgilio (Virgil,

Coach) Garcia, Jr.

Virgilio (Virgil, Coach) Garcia, Jr. went to the Lord surrounded by his wife and family on Friday, July 26, 2024.

Virgil was born on March 11, 1945 in San Benito to Virgilio Garcia, Sr. and Martha Garcia. He graduated from San Benito High School in 1963 and Pan American College in 1974. He served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Virgil was known for his sharp wit, his generosity, and unwavering support for his family and friends. He was a loyal friend who loved greatly and throughout his life loved his students, particularly his players. He was a pillar of strength and unwavering faith.

He met Christina Vela in 1964 at Texas Southmost College and after serving in the United States Army, during the Vietnam War, he came home and married his college sweetheart. They were married for 56 years and had two children Eliza (Dan) Gomez and Virgilio Garcia, and 6 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.

Virgil was a successful football player for the San Benito High School Greyhounds, a team that went all the way to State Finals in 1961 where he was named All State Honorable Mention. Virgil worked as a Spanish, health, and physical education teacher and coached for 34 years. He coached 2 years at Coakley Jr. High School and the rest of the remaining 32 years he taught and coached at the high school level from 1976-2008. He taught/coached in Los Fresnos, where he was also Head Football Coach/Athletic Director, and he taught and coached at Raymondville High School. He spent 27 years as teacher/coach of football, basketball, and track, 17 years at Harlingen High School, and 8 years at Harlingen South High School.

Virgil was a devout Roman Catholic, a member of Our Lady of the Assumption for 45 years where, along with his wife, he served in several church ministries; two of his most favorite were Eucharistic Minister and Communion to the Sick. He and his wife were privileged to have taken several pilgrimages to Europe, Mexico, and the USA.

Virgil was grandfather to Ethan and Troy Jensen (children of Eliza Gomez), and Natalie, Virgilio IV, Augustus, and Samantha Garcia (children of Virgil Garcia and Michelle Yu) and great grandfather to Lucy, Luke, and Colesen Jensen. He has one surviving brother, Jesus (Belinda) Garcia.

Virgil was preceded in death by his parents Virgilio, Sr. and Martha Garcia, his brothers, and sister-in law: Antonio, Carlos, Oscar, Alfredo and Martha Garcia and two nephews Carlos Garcia, Jr. and Abie Vela.

He is survived by his loving wife; 2 children; 6 grandchildren; and 3 great -grandchildren; brothers' wives: Dolores (Antonio) Garcia, Rosa (Carlos) Garcia, Marie (Oscar) Garcia, and the youngest Garcia brother, Jesus T (Belinda) Garcia. His brothers and sisters in law: Alma Vela, Irma V. / Abel Quintanilla, Maricella V. /Joe Olmos, Sal/Patty Vela, Dora Vela (d. Abie), Gracie Vela (d. Frankie), Dody/Jesse Torres, Eddie/Eva Vela, Walter Vela, Rolando/ Yvonne Vela. Numerous nephews and nieces, great and grandnephews and nieces, and his mentor and best friend Coach Alex Leal.

Services at Trinity Funeral Home include: Thurs, Aug. 1, 2024-Visitation starting at 10 am with the Holy Rosary at 7 pm; Friday, Aug. 2, 2024 at 10 am Our Lady of the Assumption Church, followed by interment at Restlawn Memorial Park Cemetery in La Feria.

A reception will be held at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish.

Pallbearers include grandsons Ethan and Troy Jensen, Virgilio IV and Augustus Garcia, and nephews Judge Jesus 'Chuy' Garcia, Jr., and Alfredo Garcia, Jr.

Honorary Pallbearers are his dearest friend Alex Leal and numerous coaches, athletes, and friends.

Christina, Virgil and Lisa are forever indebted and will never forget all the acts of love and kindness expressed in different ways. MAY COACH REST IN PEACE WITH THE LORD. HE WILL REMAIN IN OUR HEARTS FOREVER.

With love and remembrance, Virgilio (Virgil, Coach) Garcia, Jr., funeral arrangements are entrusted to Trinity at Harrison Funeral Home at 1002 East Harrison Ave. in Harlingen, TX 78550. You may contact us with any questions at (956) 364-2444 or visit us at www.trinityfunerals.com