Eduardo “Redbud” Cortez Sr., 48, of San Benito, passed away Thursday, June 23, 2016 in Harlingen, Texas. Eduardo Cortez Sr. was a great man. To his children a mentor, to his grandkids a blessing, to his friends the kind of friend everyone loved to have and to his wife a loving heart.To his entire family he was our backbone, our pillar to lean on , our shoulder to cry on, and an open ear when we needed one the most. We must not be sad, but instead remember and cherish all the good times and memories we shared that he left with each and everyone of us. He will forever be in our hearts and minds, rest in peace Dad. We love you. He is preceded in death by his parents: Tomas and Josefina B. Cortez Sr.; grandmother, Guadalupe Reyna; siblings: Maria Luisa Cortez and Carlos Cortez. Left to cherish his memories are his spouse, Melba Davila, and as well as his former spouse, Herlinda Casas; children: Eduardo (Samantha) Cortez Jr., Crystal Cortez, Maria Luisa (Bernabe) Cortez, Latrice (Paul) Davila, Latacia (Agustin) Davila, Leanna Davila, Lonnie Davila, Jay Davila and Jose Pedro (Korayma) Cortez. He is also survived by his loving grandchildren: Eduardo Cortez III, Jordan Rey, Baby Cortez, Kendyll Neveah, Keilani Sky, Toni Marie, Johnny Joe, Dariusz King, Alexis Torres, Zanyla Lin, Zahmia Faith Cortez; siblings: Guadalupe (Luis) Valdovinos Blanca (Vicente) Cortez, Tomas Cortez Jr. as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins, and to many friends to count. Visitation will be held on June 30, 2016 from 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. at Thomae Garza Funeral Home. Funeral service will be held 1:00 p.m. on Friday, July 1, 2016 at St. Benedict Catholic Church with burial to follow at San Benito Memorial Park. You may sign the online guestbook and send words of comfort, flowers, or sympathy cards to the family of Eduardo Cortez Sr. at: www.thomaegarza.com. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the care of Thomae-Garza Funeral Directors and Crematorium, 395 S. Sam Houston, San Benito, Texas, (956) 399-1331. 331.