Orlando Garcia

Orlando Jesus (OJ) Garcia passed away suddenly on August 5, 2021 at the young age of 50. He was born to Jesus and Juanita Garcia on February 13, 1971 and baptized into the Catholic Church and was a lifelong member of Holy Family Catholic Church.
OJ was involved in the Big Country Soccer Association from a young age which resulted in a love of soccer and led to many lifelong friendships. His team, the Bandits, was coached by David Wagner and Ed Patton winning the State's Tournament of Champions. After graduating from Cooper High School in 1989 he attended College of the Southwest continuing on his soccer journey and finishing his education at Hardin Simmons with a double Masters in Science and Education. He taught Biology and coached High School Girls soccer at San Angelo Lakeview, Abilene High, San Antonio Southwest, and Medina Valley. His summers were filled with coaching at Texas A&M soccer camps and especially enjoyed his time working with young athletes in the Special Olympics. In his most recent years, he grew to learn and love to play darts and enjoyed teaching his friends to play the sport as well.

Orlando was preceded in death by his father Jesus Garcia. His paternal grandparents Librado and Eloisa Garcia. His maternal grandfathers Andres Gamon and Efren Villanueva Sr. Tio Joe and Jela Reyes. Aunts Mary Gamon Allen and Gloria Gamon. Uncle Santos Garcia. Cousins Trey Molina and Aaron Garcia.

Orlando is survived by his mother Juanita Garcia. His grandmother Antonia Cisneros. Brother Andres (Amanda) Garcia. Uncles and Aunts Juan (Lupita) Garcia, Andres Gamon Jr., Lydia (Ben) Molina, Reynaldo (Maria) Villanueva, Efren (Lucy) Villanueva Jr., Octaviano (Diana) Villanueva, Antonio Villanueva. Numerous cousins.
Family and friends will remember his generous heart, big smile, and willingness to help anyone with no hesitation.

A memorial mass will be held Friday, August 13, 2021 at 11:00 AM at Holy Family Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Holy Family Catholic Church at 5410 Buffalo Gap Rd, Abilene, Texas 79606.