Garza

Mr. Garza

Cruz Garza Jr., age 64, of Rockdale passed away on Monday, Sept. 30, 2024, in Schertz.

A funeral mass was held at 11 a.m. Satur d ay, Oc t . 5, at the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Burial followed at Garza Cemetery in Rockdale, Visitation was held Friday Oct. 4, at Phillips & Luckey Funeral Home in Rockdale. A rosary followed the visitation at the funeral home.

Cruz was born in Bryan on Nov. 5, 1959, to Cruz Garza Sr. and Refugia Marinez.

Cruz spent nearly all of his life in Rockdale. He graduated Rockdale High School in 1978 and was a lifelong member of St. Joseph Catholic Church.

Cruz married the love of his life, Teresa Ann Jezisek, on June 13, 1981, and remained married for 38 years. Cruz and Teresa had two sons, Jason and Steven. They lived and raised their children in Rockdale.

Cruz was active and engaged with the youth in the community as a young man and left a lasting impact on many of the children in Rockdale that resonates to this day.

After growing up working in the family ag business, Cruz worked in the Texas land and offshore oil industry until 1987. He then shifted to the manufacturing sector, where he remained until 2020.

His mentality focused on integrity and action served him well throughout his career in which he spent the majority in leadership roles.

In 2020 he enrolled in TSTC Waco for training in automotive paint and repair. He finished his life doing what he loves, repairing and restoring classic vehicles, until he absolutely could not.

Cruz’s love for family and friends was immeasurable. He was ready to do anything at any time and duration necessary for his loved ones.

Despite all of the challenges a 20-plus-year battle with cancer brings, Cruz never missed a family event and was involved in his children and grandchildren’s life daily.

Cruz wanted the best for everyone he knew and would love to hear about their successes in life. His presence was cherished by so many and he will be greatly missed.

Cruz is survived by lifelong companion, Teresa Garza and their children, Jason and Storme Garza with child Cameron Garza; Steven and Olivia Garza with children George, Meredith and Cora.

Also survived by parents Cruz Garza Sr. and Refugia Garza, brother Carlos Garza, brother Oscar Garza and wife Brandi, sister Irene and husband Roger Gutierrez, sister Christine and husband Dan Marquette, sisters Toni, Esther and Lydia Garza; as well as many adored nieces, nephews which he loved and cared for as his own children.

He is survived by many aunts, uncles and cousins that were as dear to him as immediate family.

Serving as pallbearers were Kerry Locklin, James Seaton, John Garza, Marcos Garza, Everett Watson and Dion Butler.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, P.O. Box 548, Rockdale, TX 76567.