Leopoldo "Leo" Solis, Jr.

Leopoldo Solis Jr. passed away Dec. 18 in Austin, Texas surrounded by his family. An eighth generation Texan, Mr. Solis was born in Mercedes on July 6, 1929 to Manuela and Leopoldo Solis. A veteran of the Korean War, Mr. Solis served in the Air Force from 1949 to 1952. He was a corporal with the 605 Tactical Control Squadron. Following his honorable discharge, Mr. Solis went on to pursue his education. He obtained Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and Master of Education degrees, both from the University of North Texas. Throughout his life, he remained a devoted “Mean Green” fan, following his beloved football team to both local and away games. Mr. Solis spent most of his career with the Harlingen Independent School District, working as a football, basketball and track coach at Coakley Jr. High and junior varsity football and track coach at Harlingen High School. In 1997, he was inducted into the City of Palms Hall of Honor for his 30-plus years in the coaching and teaching profession and for his positive impact on his players and students. In 1955, a blind date led to his marrying the love of his life, Corina Serna Solis. The couple had two children, Leopoldo Solis III and Virginia Solis Zuiker. They spent many summers traveling in their RV to visit friends and family throughout the U.S. The Solises entered a new phase of their lives when they became grandparents. They rarely missed an important event in the lives of their four granddaughters. Mr. Solis would live long enough to enjoy the company of his seven great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Corina Serna Solis; parents, Manuela and Leopoldo Solis; sisters, Catalina and Argentina Solis and Alicia Solis Diaz; and brother, Noel Solis. Mr. Solis leaves behind two children, Leopoldo Solis III (Olivia) and Virginia Solis Zuiker (Mark); four granddaughters, Laura Solis Zambrano (Michael), Christina Solis Camacho (Alex), Caroline Carmichael Solis (Jeffrey Stein); and Eryn Nicole Zuiker; and seven great grandchildren, Gabriel, Daniel and Samuel Zambrano; Liliana and Christian Solis Camacho; and Ilana and Talia Stein Solis. He is also survived by two sisters, Mitzi Cestero and Karen Martinez, and two brothers, David (Mary Helen) and Carlos (Bea) Solis. Funeral services are being handled by Rudy Garza Funeral Home. Visitation is Thursday, Dec. 28 from 2 to 9 p.m., with a prayer service from 6 to 7 p.m. The funeral service will be at El Buen Samaritano Methodist Church, the church his mother helped found, on Friday, Dec. 29 at 10 a.m., followed by burial at Restlawn Cemetery. Pallbearers include Michael Zambrano, Alex Camacho, Jeffrey Stein, A.J. Cestero, David Marchese and Noel Solis Jr. Honorary pallbearer is Gabriel Zambrano.

Leopoldo "Leo" Solis, Jr.

July 6, 1929 - December 18, 2023

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