Roland Richard Garza

Roland Richard Garza, 72, passed away on Wednesday, July 20, 2022 in Grand Prairie.

Funeral Mass: 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, August 3rd, at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Parish, 2910 Corn Valley Rd, Grand Prairie. Interment: 2:30 p.m. Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery, Dallas. Visitation: 6-8 p.m. with Rosary starting at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, August 2nd, at Wade Family Funeral Home, 4140 W. Pioneer Parkway, Arlington.
Memorials: In lieu of flowers upon Richard’s request, Memorial gifts may be made to St. Michael the Archangel My Promise Fund. “In Memory of Richard Garza” https://stmichaelgptx.org/give

Richard was born on November 30, 1949 in San Antonio, Texas to Ascencion Garza and Alice Rios Garza. At the age of 19 he enlisted with the U.S. Army. He served with the 82nd Airborne Division. Upon his honorable discharge from the U.S. Army, he joined the Texas National Guard Reserves and Navy Seabees . During this time he met the love of his life, Gilda Carranza. They were married on August 31, 1974. Richard worked hard for his family. He started as a carpenter and later started his career with the U.S. Postal Service. He took advantage of the classes offered by the Postal Service to further his career and became an Equipment Mechanic for 29 years until his retirement in 2013. Richard was a man of few words; he spoke with his actions. Always showing up at family gatherings with goodies for the kids and contributing food and drinks for all occasions. He never arrived empty handed. He was a giving person and loved his family.

Richard and his wife Gilda are one of the founding members of St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Parish in Grand Prairie. He was raised by his grandmother who sent him to Catholic School. It was his Catholic Christian foundation which taught him to serve and help others. He also enjoyed playing cards and dominoes. He was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan. He enjoyed listening to all genres of music. He dearly loved his family and spending time with them. He will be missed by all those who knew and loved him.

Richard was preceded in death by his grandmother, Teofila Garza; brother, Victor Garza; son, Estevan Garza; and grandchild, Cross Young.

Survivors: Wife, Gilda Carranza Garza; son, Vincent Garza; daughter, Selena Young and husband, James; mother-in-law, Maria Carranza; grandchild, Fabian Ybarra; great-grandchildren, Malia Ybarra and Aliyana Ybarra; and numerous nieces and nephews.