Epifanio Valdez III “Thunderbird”, 52, of Port Isabel, Texas, passed away on Thursday, January 26, 2017 in Harlingen, Texas. Epifanio, often known as just Epi, was also sometimes called “Canelo”, or “Boy”, or even his adopted Indian name, “Thunderbird”. He was a proud member of the Lipan Apache Tribe of Texas. He spent many years researching and asking his paternal grandmother to share stories of his heritage. He was happy to find out there are four Lipan Apache Chiefs in his ancestry. He loved to attend pow wows, and craft his own Native American jewelry, regalia and other props. Epifanio was a respected volunteer in the community, serving the Veterans of Port Isabel, TX, in any way that he could. He would assist them by setting up for events, providing sound equipment, and he often had his children assist with music by playing patriotic tracks before and after the events, singing the national anthem and playing Taps on the trumpet. Many knew Epifanio as a skilled and certified air conditioning technician and electrician. He took pride in his work by always giving it his all. He would often work late hours just to get the job done. Epi built his reputation of excellence because of his honesty and striving to help people as best as possible. There were countless other things and goals he accomplished throughout his life that he was very happy about. He loved to share stories and laugh. His smile and cheer always filled any room with joy. He dedicated his life to helping others, sharing his wisdom with his family and friends, and teaching the community to love and give back to one another. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Alejandro and Victoria B. Martinez; as well as his grandparents, Epifiano Valdez Sr. and Isabel D. Valdez; and his 2 grandchildren: Joseph Valdez and Maria Isabel Valdez. Survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Angie Reyes Valdez; his loving children: Johnathon Epifanio Valdez IV (Savannah), Nicole Ann Valdez, Kimberly Marie (Jose) Valdez-Lozano, Isaiah Aaron Valdez and Olivia Gabrielle Valdez; grandchildren: Benjamin Epifanio Valdez V, Aydah Joy Valdez, 2017 Baby Valdez, Jaden Elijah Valdez and Marceline Noelle Lozano; his loving parents, Epifanio Valdez Jr. and Victoria Martinez Valdez; one brother, Billy Joe (Crystal) Valdez; six sisters: Maria Dolores (Jose) Torres,Gracie (Victor) Gonzalez, Linda (Charles) Valdez, Victoria Flores, Becky (Noe) Garcia and Erika (Oscar) Valdez; as well as many nephews, nieces, aunts and uncles and other relatives. Visitation will be held on Monday, February 06, 2017 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. with a funeral service to begin at 10:00 a.m. at International Christian Center located at 2855 Paredes Line Rd. in Brownsville, Texas, (Next to the D.P.S. Station). Interment will follow at Port Isabel City Cemetery in Port Isabel, Texas. You may sign the online guestbook and send words of comfort, flowers, or sympathy cards to the family of Epifanio Valdez III “Thunderbird” at: 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.