SAN BENITO – Santiago Raul Garcia Jr., “La Rola,” passed away on Tuesday, July 7th, at his home, in San Benito, TX. at the age of 72. Garcia was born on October 30, 1947 in Harlingen, TX. During his senior year at San Benito High School in 1967, Garcia went on to join the United States Marine Corps amidst the Vietnam conflict. Garcia was a graduate of Pan American University in 1976 where he obtained a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. Garcia was also a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. Garcia participated in the Battle of Hue City in 1968, where he was awarded the Purple Heart Medal. Upon returning home, Garcia then started a 48-year-career in law enforcement beginning in 1969 with the Harlingen Police Department, Cameron County Sheriff’s Office, and Cameron County Pct. 5 Constable’s Office. He went on to serve as a Law Enforcement Instructor at Texas Southmost College and Los Fresnos CISD. He became Chief of Police at Santa Rosa ISD and San Benito CISD before concluding his law enforcement career in 2017. Some of Garcia’s most cherished moments include his 1969 escorting of Edinburg’s Dolia Gonzalez (mother of Medal of Honor recipient Sgt. Alfredo “Freddy” Gonzalez) to Washington D.C., representing as a member of his unit from the Battle of Hue City. He was also proud of his part in developing the Harlingen Explorer Post. The Harlingen Explorer Post was a program between the Department of Public Safety and the Harlingen PD, in which they would teach young men about law enforcement. The program was recognized by the Texas Legislature in March of 1970. Many of these young men went on to enter a law enforcement career. He was also proud of his 2008 contribution to Kenneth N. Jordan, Sr.’s book, “Marines Under Fire.” The book covers Marine testimonies and first-hand experiences during the Battle of Hue City. Those that knew him well, knew that laughter was always a big part of his DNA. Garcia always tried to keep things simple and realistic. He taught his children many life-long lessons, many of which will never be forgotten. His commitment to family, career, and country never went unnoticed. He is survived by his wife, Maria U. Garcia; his children, Jack Garcia and Roxann (William R.) Hurtado; his siblings, Janie G. Martinez, ML Garcia, Nora Montalvo-Liendo (Manuel Liendo), Estela Perez (Ruben Perez), Rene P. Montalvo (Norma Montalvo), Teri Rodriguez (Joey Rodriguez), and Ricardo Montalvo (Irene Montalvo); 17 nephews and nieces; and 3 grandchildren, Jake Charles Garcia, Donovan Moses Hurtado, and Olivia Grace Hurtado. He is predeceased by his parents, Santiago Raul Garcia Sr. and Martha Perez Garcia (Montalvo). A funeral service is scheduled for 10 AM on Friday, July 24 at Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery in Mission, TX. Flowers and memorial donations can be delivered to the Thomae-Garza Funeral Home at 395 S. Sam Houston Blvd, San Benito, TX. Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, please monitor the Thomae-Garza Funeral Home webpage for any updated information. You may sign the online guestbook, light a remembrance candle, or send words of comfort to the family of Santiago Raul Garcia Jr., “La Rola,” at www.thomaegarza.com.