Rick “Joe Richard” Garza, 56, passed away following complications from ALS on March 24, 2024 in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Rick, a loving husband and father, was known for his kindness, intelligence, and passion for coaching and sports. He inspired countless young women on the softball field, instilling in them the values of confidence, leadership, and hard work. Even in the face of difficult situations, he was known to be wise, level-headed, and a great mediator. He was patient and taught that there is a process to achieving worthwhile goals.  “Trust the process.” he would often say. Rick was also a proud Texan and American, with a strong sense of patriotism and love for his country.

Rick graduated from The University of Texas at Austin and was a financial advisor for over 30 years. He dedicated his career to helping others secure their financial futures. Rick loved the game of softball and spent the last 12 years of his life coaching, creating a positive impact on the lives of many young athletes and their families.  With his family he lived and worked in Southwest Austin for 25 years and recently moved to Corpus Christi.

Rick was strong in his Catholic faith. Even as he battled with ALS, his faith strengthened for him to see God working throughout his life. Despite his illness, he enjoyed attending Mass with his wife and youngest daughters.

Rick was preceded in death by his mother, Evangelina Garza; father, Manuel Garza, and sister, Diane Garza. He is survived by his wife, April; children, Jacob, Rebekah, Adah, and Eliana Garza; his brother, Manuel Jr and sister-in-law Maria Garza and their children Geoffrey Garza and Sarah Flores. He will be dearly missed by his family and a wide circle of friends and colleagues.

Services for Rick will be held at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church (605 Karnes St, Kenedy, TX 78119), on Saturday, April 6. The schedule includes a viewing at 8:30 – 9:30 am, followed by a Rosary at 9:30 and funeral Mass at 10:00 am. A luncheon will be held after the Mass in the church fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, please consider a financial contribution to www.ALS.org/donate.

The burial ceremony will be at a later date this spring (TBD) at Loma Alta Cemetery in Kenedy.