Ray M. Garza
Ray M. Garza, 70, of Burnet died Jan. 14, 2012.
He was born Feb. 8, 1941, in Eagle Pass to Selestino Garza and Fannie Mello Smith. He was stationed in England where he met his wife Helen. They were blessed with three boys.
He retired as a staff sergeant after 20 years of military and 10 years of reserve service. He entered straight out of high school in 1960, serving in the Air Force and the Navy. While stationed at the Pentagon, he served in circles that involved top government officials including the president, Secretary of State Henry Kissinger and Reagan White House Chief of Staff and former Army Gen. Alexander Haig.
He received many medals including the Air Force Presidential Unit Commendation, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with four Good Stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal with clasp, Air Force Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with 4 Oak Leaf Cluster, and Good Conduct Awards for both the Air Force and the Navy.
Also, the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service as a Secretary to the Commander, 315th Special Operations Wing and to the Commanding General, 834th Air Division, Republic of Vietnam, while engaged in ground operations against an opposing force from Dec. 7, 1967 to Nov. 11, 1968.
He came to Burnet from Virginia Beach, Va., in 1992 to help his sister with their ailing mother Fannie Mello Fincke. After her death, he decided to stay in Burnet and make it his home.
Many will remember him when he worked at Party Time Liquor and later Twin Liquors in Burnet and Marble Falls. He enjoyed talking to people and was a great salesman. He loved to fish and enjoyed life to its fullest.
Survivors include his sons Jonathan,Timothy and Keith Garza, all of Virginia Beach, Va.; brothers Tony Garza of Brooklyn, Miss., and Rudy Fincke of Burnet; sister Linda Fincke Boucher of Burnet; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He will be deeply missed by his two dogs and faithful companions Rena and Bronco.
At his request, he will be cremated.
A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.
Arrangements by Clements Wilcox Funeral Home, 306 Texas 29 East in Burnet, (512) 756-2222.