Alfredo Garcia

Alfredo "Al" Garcia, 74, of Midland, passed away Sunday, February 1, 2009 at the Hospice Inpatient Unit at Midland Memorial Hospital. A rosary will be held at 7:30 pm, Tuesday, February 3, 2009 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Wednesday, February 4, 2009 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Midland with Father Edward de Leon, OMI officiating. Interment will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park in Midland.Al was born December 19, 1934, in Beeville, Texas to Brigeda and Jose Garcia. He married Guadalupe "Lupe" Valles on December 20, 1958 in Midland.To everyone who knew him in Midland he was "Mr. Al." He was a very humble, honest, and quiet man willing to help anyone from anywhere at anytime. He started his community service 42 years ago by opening a small store, Al's Grocery, on North Mineola Street. Through his hard work and honest service to his community, he was able to expand that small store and open a larger store on North Lamesa Road where he could help more people get basic food and supplies. At an early age, he knew the secret to success was customer service. He stressed and instilled that value to all of his employees, including his 4 children and his wife. Loyal customers have been coming to Al's Grocery for the past 42 years and consider it to be a large part of the community. Al viewed the employees and customers as part of his own family. Mr. Al's philosophy was everybody was somebody. Al's Grocery was sold a few weeks ago due to his illness. His ability not to work was of vast concern to him as well as not being able to continue serving his community and customers. He and the Garcia family are very thankful for the support and loyalty they have received from everyone and their kindness throughout this long time.Another accomplishment in Al's life was being one of the founding Board of Directors of Community National Bank in the mid-1990's in which he took much pride in. It grew from one small branch to what it is today, which is several branches throughout the Midland area.Mr. Al was a horseman and spent his past time with horses, ranching, hunting and fishing as well as living life to its fullest.A special thanks to his sister Pauline Wilder and daughter-in-law Linda Garcia for their dedication and care that they gave to Al during this difficult time. Also the family would like to thank Dr. Barnett, Dr. P.K. Patel and the staff at Interim Home Health Care and Physical Therapy Department for their special care.Survivors include wife Guadalupe "Lupe" of Midland; son David Garcia and wife Liz of Midland; son Chris Garcia and wife Linda of Midland; son Orlando "Roland" Garcia and wife Loretta of San Antonio; daughter Amy Ghassemi and husband Farhad of Holland in the Netherlands; sisters, Pauline Wilder and Norma Hembree, both of Midland and Ema Mara of Kingsville; brothers, Joe Garcia, Jr. of Midland and Oscar Garcia of San Antonio; 12 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild.He was preceded in death by his mother and father, sister, Wilma Mancha and brother, Robert Garcia.Pallbearers will be Pete Cuellar, Tommy Cuellar, Andy Mancha, Eddie Mancha, Sergio Garcia and Ruben Mora.Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made at: www.npwelch.com,