Arthur Garza, 84, of Galveston, Texas, passed away peacefully Thursday, May 26, 2016, at Regent Care Center in League City, Texas. He was born February 4, 1932, in Galveston, to Ernest and Maria Fernandez Garza. Art graduated from Ball High School, where he played baseball and then attended Sam Houston State University, participating as a member of the boxing team. He later graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Upon graduating from college, Art was drafted into the US Army and served for two years as a member of the Military Police Command in France. After his honorable discharge in 1956, he continued to serve in the US Army Reserves until 1963.

Art worked in sales for Quality Beverage Company for nearly 40 years, where he received numerous outstanding sales performance awards and was presented with a 36-year service award. After his retirement in 1994, Art worked for Del Monte as an inspector for 10 years.

In his earlier days, Art enjoyed playing golf and relished in the glory of hitting a “hole in one.” He also loved to cook with his children, especially after catching fresh seafood from Galveston Bay. Art was an avid wade fisherman and spent over 70 years fishing in the beautiful waters of the Texas Gulf Coast. He was a true Dallas Cowboy fan, who stood by his team through their struggles and triumphs. Art was also known by many as the “Mayor of Pine Street” for the meaningful connections he made with neighbors and friends. His home of 55 years was a favorite place to frequent, as it was filled with love, laughter, good food, and great stories. He was a longtime member of both Trinity and Grace Episcopal Church in Galveston, where he served as an usher for many years. Art’s greatest accomplishments were being a loving husband, a dedicated father, a proud grandfather, and spending an abundance of quality time with his family.

Art was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Roger and Ernest Garza, Jr.; and sisters, Minerva Medina and Olga Vasquez.

He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Joyce Elaine Garza; sons, Steve Garza and wife, Amy, and Jeff Garza and wife, Kris; daughter, Susan Ware and husband, Russ; sisters, Blanche Ortiz and Aurora Nelson; grandchildren: Catherine and Mary Frances Garza, Blake Garza, and Annelise and Julia Ware.

Art’s family will receive visitors beginning at 4:00 pm, Wednesday, June 8th, at Malloy & Son Funeral Home. A funeral service will follow at 6:00 pm at the funeral home, officiated by Father Hal Anderson. Private interment will be held at a later date at Calvary Mausoleum.

The family of Art Garza would like to extend special thanks to Art’s caregivers: Reba Broussard, Catherine Broddie, Zandra Leverett, Mary Melendez, and the Regent Care Staff for all of their compassionate care.

Memorial donations may be made to Gulf Parkinson’s Source, P O Box 1054, La Marque, TX 77568. www.gulfparkinsonsource.org 409-539-8398