Roll Call Tribute

SFC Gilbert Garcia
January 27, 1986 - February 19, 2021

Gilbert Garcia was born on January 27, 1986, in Dallas, TX, to parents Jose and Edith Garcia; and early on had dreams of being an architect. This was considered a true dream as he grew up in the community of Pleasant Grove, where gangs ran the blocks, and drive-by shootings were part of everyday life there because of the substantial drug trafficking that occurred.

But Gilbert had fortitude, in spades, and he wanted to make a better life for himself than he saw, and to bring his family along with them to that better life. He was fascinated by houses and dedicated much of his youth to watching them being built, later on taking up carpentry and building them himself. He beat the odds and made an incredible life for all of them. In his college studies, he realized that architecture was important, but he loved the hands-on approach to creating bridges, and other building structures that involved a lot of engineering work.

Early on in his college career, he earned an Associate’s Degree in General Studies from Fayetteville Technical Community College in Fayetteville, AR, and later an Associate’s Degree in Engineering from Central Texas College in Killeen, TX.

Gilbert joined the Army to further his knowledge and education, and spent 14 years as a member of the Army Special Forces (Airborne). He was attached to the North Carolina group, 3rd Special Forces Group of the National Guard, 19th Special Forces, and ultimately attained the rank of Sergeant First Class, as a Demolition/Engineer Specialist. He was proud to serve his country as a member of the distinguished Green Berets.

After his primary Army career, he took a year to earn his Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Science in 2017 graduating Magna Cum Laude (while always remaining active in the National Guard reserves). He always loved his time as an Aggie and was proud to be forever a part of the Aggie Former Students.

Following his Aggie graduation, he worked as a Construction Intern with The Beck Group in Dallas, TX, for almost a year, before accepting a fulltime job as Construction Superintendent for The Beck Group.

Gilbert had a passion for Education and Engineering, always in pursuit of “Why” and putting in all the work to learn the answer. He was nearing completion of his Master of Business Administration degree and Management, Information Technology from Texas Tech University in Lubbock before his passing. His final career position was as Project Engineer for the Phillips May Corporation in Dallas, TX. He also earned certifications in Keyword Research Solutions, and in Social Media Marketing as well as Project Management, ever willing to go the extra mile to learn.

There is no question that family was the major priority and joy in Gilbert’s life were his children, Nathan Garcia (14) and Madeline Mary Garcia (7). He especially enjoyed fishing with his children and being a part of sporting events in addition to his hobbies of soccer, running, camping, and going to the gym.

A man of grace equal to his intelligence, Gilbert had a strong faith in God and loved attending church with his children. He beat the odds of his own childhood and taught Nathan and Madeline the best rules to live by and to always be people of honor and kindness with all whom they encountered.

In addition to his children, Gilbert is survived by his parents, Jose and Edith Garcia; his sister, Jocelyn Garcia, brother-in-law, Michael Ponciano, nephews Matthew and Jo-ell; brother, Joe Garcia, sister-in-law, Maria; nieces, Lysette, Arielle, Alyssa, Aliah; nephews Joe, Jr., and Josiah; younger brother Anthony, and Amalia Sanchez, former wife and mother of his children, and loved by countless family members.
Gilbert Garcia passed from this world into Heaven in Dallas, TX, on Feb. 19, 2021; he was a man of honor, in every sense of the word. He will be forever remembered with love by all who knew him.

Visitation will be from 10am – 5pm, Wednesday, Feb. 24, at Laurel Oaks Funeral Home in Balch Springs, TX. A funeral service will be held there on Thursday, Feb. 25, from 12:30pm–1:30pm. Officiating will be Maj. Dan Petroli, Officiating Chaplain, Special Forces, and Dr. Dawn Lee Wakefield, Certified Life Celebrant. Full military honors will be administered on Tuesday, Mar. 2 at Dallas–Fort Worth National Cemetery at 9:30am.

Memorial gifts can be made to the charity of your choice, or the family has an account in Gilbert’s memory to benefit his children (which can be accessed here). Please express condolences online at LaurelOaksFuneralHome.com.

Visitation
Wednesday, February 24, 2021
10:00AM - 5:00PM
Laurel Oaks Funeral Home
12649 Lake June Rd
Mesquite, TX 75180

Funeral Ceremony
Thursday, February 25, 2021
12:30PM - 1:30PM
Laurel Oaks Funeral Home
12649 Lake June Rd
Mesquite, TX 75180

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