87R10379 BK-D
By: Canales H.R. No. 343
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Dr. Ben Leonel Garza, an esteemed member of the
Edinburg community and a dear friend to many, passed away on
February 5, 2021, at the age of 82; and
WHEREAS, Born in Mercedes on January 17, 1939, to Leoncio and
Nellie Chapa Garza, Ben Garza grew up with nine brothers and
sisters; after graduating from The University of Texas College of
Pharmacy in 1961, he managed his family's drug store in McAllen and
subsequently went on to attend medical school at the UT Medical
Branch at Galveston; during his 45-year career as a physician, he
practiced at the Edinburg Regional Medical Center alongside four of
his brothers; and
WHEREAS, An avid sports fan, Dr. Garza was the longtime
doctor for athletic teams at UT-Pan American and the Edinburg
school district; he was recognized on many occasions for his
outstanding work with these programs, receiving such accolades as
the Rio Grande Valley Sports Hall of Fame Distinguished Service
Award in 2009, induction into the UTPA Athletics Hall of Honor in
2010, and the UTPA Broncs Leadership Award in 2015; and
WHEREAS, In addition to serving as an Edinburg school board
trustee, Dr. Garza held prominent leadership roles in the Texas
Jaycees, the American Cancer Society, and American Humanics, and he
was a Hidalgo County health officer and a member of the Edinburg
Urban Renewal Board; he also had the distinction of serving on the
Governor's Advisory Board for Juvenile Justice and Crime
Prevention, as well as the State Bar of Texas Commission for Lawyer
Discipline; moreover, he was a retired 20-year veteran of the Texas
National Guard, and he volunteered his time in various capacities
with the Boy Scouts of America; the honors he received for his
service included the American Heart Association Heart of Gold Award
in 2000 and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce General Physician of
the Year Award in 2008; and
WHEREAS, In all his endeavors, Dr. Garza enjoyed the love and
support of his wife of 32 years, Patty Garza; he was the proud
father of seven children, Loretta, Veronica, Brooke, Brennan, Ben,
Steven, and Cesar, and he was further blessed with eight
grandchildren, Tucker, Olivia, Lauren, Hailey, Lily, Leslie, Gabi,
and Ava; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Ben Garza lived a life that was extraordinarily
rich in personal and professional accomplishments, and those who
knew and loved him will forever find inspiration in his admirable
legacy; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 87th Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Dr. Ben Leonel
Garza and extend deepest sympathy to all those who mourn his
passing; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of
Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Dr. Ben
Garza.