Daniel Ray Garza

Daniel Ray Garza, born on December 6, 1979, in Aransas Pass, Texas, passed away on April 18, 2025, at the age of 45. Daniel is survived by his wife, Virginia Garza, his children Daniel Ray Garza II and Kaitlin MaRaye Garza (TJ Martinez). He was a proud grandfather to RayAnn Martinez, Thomas Ray Martinez (“Brother”), and Mia Martinez. He also leaves behind his beloved parents, Daniel and Lillie Garza, sister Danella Connor (Steve Connor), his niece Aubrey Connor, nephews Brenden Landgraf and Dawson Connor, his cherished grandmother, Erlinda Benavidez, along with many aunts, uncles, and cousins who he loved dearly. 

He is proceeded in death by his paternal grandparents Macedonia and Daniel Garza Sr. as well as his maternal grandfather Raymond Benavidez Sr.

From a young age, he carried a light that drew people in. His smile lit up every room, and his laugh could lift up anyone’s spirits, even on the hardest days. For over 20 years, Daniel worked as a tug boat captain a career that was more than just a job. It was his true calling. There was something about being on the water that brought him deep peace. It was a place where he felt most alive and a place where he felt himself. Daniel was a father figure to many. To know Daniel was to love him. He was a source of strength, laughter, guidance, and unconditional love and welcomed everyone with an open heart. Daniel will be remembered for his humor, his warmth, his strength, and above all, the deep love he had for his family. His legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew him, and his spirit will forever be carried by those he touched.

Services will be held Sunday, April 27, 2025, at Charlie Marshall Funeral Home in Rockport, Texas. A public viewing will be held 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. with a holy rosary recited at 7:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held Monday, April 28, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Rockport, Texas. Burial to follow at Prairie View Cemetery in Aransas Pass, Texas. A reception will be held afterward at the Rockport Saltwater Beach Pavilion. 

“There are things known and things unknown and in between are the doors.”