Antonio "Tony" Miguel Garcia Jr. Obituary (1937 - 2026)

Peacefully at his home, Antonio Miguel Garcia Jr, passed away on February 21, 2026 at the age of 88. Born on Galveston Island, October 1, 1937, to Antonio and Rebecca (Trevino Villareal) Garcia, he was the oldest of their three children. Known as "Tony" or "TG”. He was a hardworking, charismatic man with presence, who always dressed to the nines. In his early years, Tony was well-known for being a talented baseball player. His father “Big Tony” was very proud of his only son and would take him to the local ballparks. Tony cherished the memory of impressing the “legendary island coach” Charlie Roque, who handed little Tony his “first” baseball glove. Years later, Tony would play ball on Charlie Rogue’s teams. He was recruited by Dionicio “Doc” Gongora to play baseball for Galveston LULAC. He played for the American Legion and was Captain of the Ball High School baseball team. Tony would receive an offer to try out for the Detroit Tigers in Florida. However, he decided on another path. Tony Garcia graduated in 1957 from Ball High School. The next day, he went to work at Santa Fe Railroad, where his father retired. Tony retired from Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad after 33 years of service. He served 6 years in the National Guard. He worked 12 years for Falstaff Brewery in Galveston. His close friendship with Bill Pritchard at Falstaff would lead him to his beloved wife of 53 years, Patricia (Pritchard) Garcia. The two men, brothers-in-laws, acknowledged Tony Garcia “TG” was hand-picked for his sister Patty. The day before he died, he thanked Bill once again for giving him permission to ask his little sister Patty on a date which changed his life forever. The home Tony built with his wife, Patty, off Lake Madeline was a source of great pride for the both of them. He expressed how rewarding it was for him to spend time working in his yard. As a car enthusiast, he reminisced about his 1955 Chevrolet in High School, which featured a striking two-tone burnt orange and pearl white exterior. He vividly recalled a few years later repainting it burgundy, with the same pearl white rear decklid and fender. He nostalgically reminisced about driving the family car, a 1985 Fleetwood Cadillac Brougham dark chocolate sedan. Tony was a steadfast supporter for the core principles of the Democratic Party and lent his support to local candidates seeking election, volunteering his time to aid their campaigns. He enjoyed the fellowship with friends during local community events. He relished the opportunity to get dress up and go to dances with his wife. His favorite baseball teams were the Boston Red Sox and the Houston Astros. He spent many hours of the ball field coaching Galveston Lassie League Softball teams. Survived by his son, Anthony (Tony) Garcia and granddaughter Brittany (Blaine) Sweatt of Stafford. His daughter Kristina M. Garcia and daughter-in-law, Isabel C. Fernandez-Garcia of Galveston. Grandchildren George Urbina, Jonathan (Carolina) Urbina, Aydan and Adrial Urbina of Texas City. His two sisters, Maggie Manual of La Marque, Diane Resendez of Clear Lake. Two Brother-in-Laws, Bill Pritchard (Mary) of Santa Fe, TX, and Rick Pritchard, Henderson, NV. Numerous nieces, nephews, family members and lifelong friends. His beloved family dog, Loebe. We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our family Debbie Garcia, Randy Lee, and Maggie Hindman for consistently being there for us, through both the happiest and most challenging times. Expression of sincere appreciation to his sister Diane Resendez that was at his bedside caring for him during his final hours. The Bristol Hospice team. Dr. Lee Grumble, Thomas Delgado and Michelle Delgado that supported his End-of-Life care at home during his final days and hours. Michelle Delgado, we are deeply thankful for the compassion and tender care you provided our father during his final moments and to us as well. At instruction, no services or visitation will be held. Tony made the decision to donate his body to the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston to contribute to the advancement of medical science and to the education of students and physicians. In memory of Tony Garcia, consider giving a child a baseball/softball glove, train set, fishing pole, or planting a tree.