Roberto Ray Garza

April 24, 1990 - June 10, 2022

Roberto "Bobby" Ray Garza never departed without offering a hug. He would grab you and hold you almost longer than necessary. You could feel the strength of his arms and back muscles as he squeezed. Thus, even though he left suddenly to be with Our Lord Jesus Christ on the morning of June 10, 2022, all who knew him undoubtably received a great final hug. Roberto Ray Garza was born in Harlingen, Texas on April 24, 1990. The calmness and pleasantness he exhibited as an infant continued with him into adulthood. One constant of his existence was his peacefulness. He was well built, smart and strong, loving and kind. A true jokester at heart, it was as if his goal in life was to make others smile. His life was grounded by God and his faith, his family and friends, and his greatest-love, Alyssa Nicole Cruz. Robert was taught about God by his loving mother throughout his life. With each biblical lesson spoken to him, he listened and understood. He always bared a cross on a chain upon his neck. The stories of Michael the Archangel were his favorite. Despite being the second of four children, he was the eldest brother to the group. He firmly took the role of playmate, friend, and protector to his siblings. He was the most passionate of the bunch and always clung to his inner-child. To his parents, he was loyal, respectful, and true. He was a devoted son, never causing any frustration and always dependable. He served his parents well and endlessly cherished them. His desire to please and care for all of his family was imperative to him. Robert preciously valued his grandparents. Family trips to Mexico to visit his Abuela Luz were always full of fun. He knew he had a second home and a second set of parents with his Grandma and Grandpa Flores. He loved and respected his uncles and aunts and would without fail greet them with a kiss on the cheek and a hug. His forty-two first cousins were some of his greatest friends. He valued the time spent and treasured the family gatherings. Robert was a friend to all who knew him. The space in his heart was infinite, continuously having room for one more person. He had many friends and was eternally reliable to them. Some of his closest friends, Sean Hernandez, Isaac Ontiveros, and Justin Parada were considered by him to be family. After years of dating, surrounded by family and friends, Robert proposed to Alyssa at his thirty-second birthday party in the late evening of April 23, 2022. He loved Alyssa without end and found joy and companionship with her. He constantly had her and her wellbeing in mind. He stood up for her, protected her, and supported her with all he had. Their connection is special. Robert chose Alyssa to spend the rest of his days with, which he ultimately did. He will forever remain with her. He was handsome, strong, passionate, friendly, loving, dependable, and funny. He will be forever missed. Bobby is preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Noé Gomez Flores, from Harlingen, Texas and his paternal grandparents, Ramiro Medina Garza and María de la Luz Garza, and an uncle José María Garza from Hacienda San Isidro, Nuevo León, Mexico. He is survived by his parents, María de los Ángeles and Roberto Valdez Garza, his sisters, Brisa Elena Garza and Rocio Yanelle Garza, his brother, Diego Iván Garza, (Ashley Nicole Edmundson) his grandmother, María de los Ángeles Flores, and his beloved fiancée, Alyssa Nicole Cruz. Bobby also leaves behind his intended in-laws, Eliasar and Janie Cruz, numerous uncles and aunts, and many cousins who loved and adored him. He leaves an entire community of coaches and students at San Benito CISD, who have also felt the shock of his loss. Visitation will begin Wednesday, June 15, 2022 from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM with a prayer service at 7:00 PM. Funeral service will begin Thursday, June 16, 2022 at 8:30 AM at Rudy Garza Funeral Home in Harlingen with burial to follow at Ashland Memorial Park.