Juan Rene Garza, 74, of Kingsville, Texas, passed away on February 14, 2026. He was born on November 4, 1951, to the late Alberto and Herlinda Cantu Garza in Kingsville, Texas. He was a devoted husband of over 51 years to Patricia (married December 28, 1974), a loving father to three daughters, and a proud grandfather to six grandchildren who brought him endless joy.

Juan was the definition of a family man and community leader, owning and operating Beto's Community Grocery Store with his family since 1967. He graduated from H.M. King High School in 1970 and then from Texas A & I University in 1974. He began working at the family store at just 15 years old, learning the value of hard work early in life. After college, Juan balanced his time between the store and the Kingsville public school system, where he served as a health and history teacher and coach from 1974 to 1978. On the football field, basketball court, and track, he mentored many junior high students who still fondly refer to him as "Coach," a title he carried with pride.

In May of 1978, Juan stepped away from teaching to join his father full-time in the family business. After his father's passing in August of that year, he took ownership of Beto's Community Grocery Store alongside his brother, Albert. For more than 45 years, he worked tirelessly–seven days a week–serving the people of Kingsville and building what many considered the best meat market in town. Juan knew his customers by first name and by their orders as well, which often included market cheese, chorizo, or machitos. He never hesitated to take a special request or make someone feel welcome, including his employees. Many customers affectionately called him (and his brother) "Mr. Beto", a nickname Juan wore with honor, always hoping to make his father, the original Beto, proud. In the mid-1990's, Juan and Albert expanded the family business by opening A&J's SuperStop and A&J's SuperStop #2. In 2001, Beto's Community Grocery Store was named Business of the Year by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

Though hardworking and dedicated, Juan always made time for family and friends. He loved telling a good story or joke and enjoyed deer hunting whenever he could get away from the store. He never missed a Brahma football game when his daughters danced, cheered, or performed in the band, and he and Patsy continued attending games faithfully until his health began to decline. He was also a proud 4-H parent, uncle, and friend, spending years supporting his daughters, numerous nieces and nephews, and friends at the Livestock Show barn.

He cherished time at his small "ranch" tending to the grass, BBQ-ing, and sharing an ice-cold beer with siblings, friends, neighbors, cousins, nieces and nephews. His long-standing Monday Night Football tradition, a weekly gathering of friends since the 1970's, was a point of pride. He also loved hosting Easter at the ranch, complete with abundant cascarones, and ringing in the New Year with fireworks.


Juan was a devoted member of Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus Council 2623, where he was a fourth-degree member. He also served on the board of Casa de Oro and was a member of Centro Nuestra Señora de Buen Consejo.

Above all, Juan's life was defined by his love for his family and his unwavering commitment to his community. He was a man of integrity, kindness, and generosity who left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him–especially his six grandchildren. To them, he was the grandpa who gladly handed out unlimited candy and juice from the store, who was always ready to pop fireworks, ride his gator, or share a family story that brought laughter and kept traditions alive. They also admire the grandpa who was diagnosed with cancer in 2014 and beat it, survived a major heart attack and quadruple bypass in 2023, and never stopped fighting the cancer that invaded his body in 2025. His positive attitude and sense of humor never wavered despite his illnesses.

Juan left a mark on our hearts that will never fade, and his legacy of love, faith, courage, and hard work will live on in all who were blessed to know him.

Juan is preceded in death by one brother, Alberto "Chubby" Garza Jr.; two sisters, Baby Connie, and Christela G. Mendietta; one brother-in-law, Jose E. Mendietta; and his in-laws, Arturo and Lesvia G. Ramos.

Survivors include his devoted wife of 51 years, Patricia "Patsy" Ramos Garza of Kingsville; three daughters, Celina (Bobby) Garza-Alvarez of San Antonio, Vanessa (Ryan) Garza McAllister of Boston, Ma., and Erica Garza of San Antonio; six grandchildren, Ava, Addison, Bobby, Grayson, Michaela, and John; two sisters, Rosaelia (Andres) Salinas, and Connie (Carlos) Martinez; one sister-in-law, Dalissa Garza; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Friday, February 20, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church, with a Rosary recited at 11:30 a.m.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, February 20, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church with Father Paulson officiating. Interment will follow at Chamberlain Cemetery.