(1973 Graduate Of Pettisville High School)
Reynaldo “Vato Loco Ray” Garcia Jr., 69, of Defiance, peacefully hit those gold streets on two wheels surrounded by his loving family on January 14, 2025, at Mercy Defiance Hospital.
Born on May 6, 1955, in Saginaw, MI, he was the second youngest child of Reynaldo and Maria (Ruiz) Garcia.
Ray graduated from Pettisville High School in 1973 and went on to enjoy a career in mechanics and paint/body work, specializing in classic cars.
A proud 12 minus 3 equals 9 coin recipient of AA. Ray celebrated his many years of sobriety with humor, grit, and determination.
He also took part in the R.A.W. Run motorcycle rides and cherished riding his Harley Davidson, often dressed in all black with his ponytail blowing in the wind and classic rock or Tejano music blaring from the stereo.
Ray had a reputation among local businesses for his regular request for his “PMD,” If You Know, You Know. Affectionately known as the “Tamale King” by his coworkers.
He delighted in sharing his delicious baracho beans at family gatherings and was always present to support his nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews at their sporting events and extracurricular activities, whether shooting hoops, shaking pom-poms, or tossing a football.
Ray loved his family deeply and looked forward to each reunion, often spending months preparing for the annual cascarones (confetti eggs) tradition at Easter, which would end in joyful chaos with the family cracking them on each other’s heads.
An avid supporter of President Donald Trump, he was ecstatic that his great niece would be attending the upcoming inauguration. Ray enjoyed time spent with family and friends, whether doing burnouts, drinking, or simply being together.
He was known for his kindness and generosity, and he had a unique ability to make every child in the family feel like they were his favorite.
He was a man of deep faith having attended Restoration Church and Family Christian Center, both in Defiance, Ohio, always willing to approach a stranger and offer to pray with them.
To those who loved him, Ray was both a saint in his empathy and generosity, and a sinner in his humility before God. His stories, adventures, and love for life will be deeply missed.
Ray is survived by his sisters, Marianna Gomez, Janie (Steven) Petch, and Gloria Benavidez of Defiance, OH; his brother, Ramon (Jennefer) Garcia of Napoleon, OH; his grandchildren, Sergio and Kylie; 20 loving nieces and nephews; 60 adoring great-nieces and great-nephews; 22 caring great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews; and his beloved four-legged friend, Harley.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Reynaldo Sr. and Maria Ruiz Garcia; siblings, Victor Garcia, Delores Patino, SanJuanita Garcia, and two infant siblings; his niece, Kym Baker; great-nieces, Ashtyn McCrae Baker, Destiny Barta-Benavidez, and Danielle Barta-Benavidez; great-nephew, Christopher Villalovos; his brothers-in-law, Tomas Benavidez Jr., Anselmo Gomez, and Adrian Patino; and his sister-in-law, Deborah VanHavel.
Ray will forever be in our hearts and memories, his presence felt in every laugh, story, and family tradition he leaves behind.
The family will receive friends and family Thursday, January 23, 2025, from 2:00pm – 8:00pm at Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance. A funeral service will be held on Friday, January 24, 2025, at 11:00am at Family Christian Center in Defiance, with Pastor Tim Tracy officiating. One hour of visitation will be held on Friday before the service. A private family burial at Riverside Cemetery will be held at a later date.
Memorials are suggested to the family. Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com.
