Isaias "Chai" Garza

It is with great sadness that our family announces the passing of Isaías (Chai) Garza. After putting up a good fight in the hospital, Isaías earned his rest on August 13th, 2022, at the age of 87. “Chai”, as he is known to family and friends, was the 6th child born to Calixto Garza and Aparicia Juarez Garza in Rio Hondo, Texas. He is preceded in death by both parents and several siblings, including Mere Escamilla (+Beto), Felipa Treviño (+Rev. Juan), Jose Garza (+Lupe), Daniel Garza (+Lala), and baby sister +Ofelia. Chai’s surviving siblings include Elia Lopez (+Alfredo), Noemi Gutierrez (Rev. Dr. Lazaro), Calixto Garza Jr. (Lucila), Felipe Garza, Rev. David Eli Garza (Jean), Antonio (Tony) Garza, and Dionicia (Peggy) G. Yanez. He is also mourned by countless cousins, nephews, and nieces, plus friends whom he chose as family. As a young boy Chai’s greatest education was at his father ranch, tending to the daily needs of each animal. He was quick to create nicknames for the horses and cattle based on their looks or personality and he was careful to make sure they were always accounted for. Watching his father, he mastered the art of identifying quality calves, cattle, and goats. His eye and skill were so sharp, that others relied on him and paid him to select the best-of-the-best at the ‘ventas’. He was a pro at finding the best animals at those auctions. While work was important, he would always make time for talking, food, fun, and yes, more talking. Chai would spend hours at the Harlingen Whataburger, making conversation, and eating at all hours of the day and night. In Rio Hondo, he was a regular at the Wagon Wheel where the daily lunch plate would call his name. It was a favorite hang-out of his, so it was common for Chai to eat slowly until he was the last customer of the day. His famous greeting of the day was "Doin Alright". And then…there was football. Chai loved the Friday Night Lights and watching the Rio Hondo Bobcats take the field. But he rarely sat in the stands. Chai preferred the action from the sidelines, where once again, he would share his observations and opinions with anyone in earshot. Thank you to everyone who listened. We know Chai was different, unique, and definitely one of a kind. He was strong, loyal, helpful, and so smart in many special ways. Today, we believe that Chai is walking and of course talking with Jesus…. the One who never gets tired of hearing our voice. And because our Hope is in God, we trust Isaías (Chai) Garza is free from pain and enjoying his eternal rest. We love you, Chai, and we will miss you. Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 27, 2022 with visitation to be held from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM and a chapel service will begin at 10:45 AM. The funeral procession will depart at 12:30 PM for a burial at Mont Meta Cemetery. Honored to serve as pallbearers will be Noel Escamilla., Felipe Garza, Jr., Ronnie Garza, Alex Chavez, Richard Chavez and Ephraim Flores, Sr.

Isaias "Chai" Garza

March 29, 1935 - August 13, 2022

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