Manuel L. Sanchez, Sr. "Grandpa", 99, surrounded by his loving family at his residence, went to be with our Lord and Savior on December 24, 2013. Manuel was born in Jimenez, Tamp, Mexico on May 14, 1914. He came to the U.S. as a young child, and later in his adult years became a U.S. citizen. He worked for Pioneer Box Co., Alexander Packing Co., Allen Moving Services, Woolam Gin, Hill Box Co., and Electric Gin for many years. He was a devoted parishioner of St. Theresa Catholic Church and a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus Council 3494, serving in various positions, as well as a 4th degree member. Manuel was always ready to lend a helping hand to everyone, even to strangers. He was very devoted to his wife of 72 years, Tula, his children, his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and other family members and will be greatly missed. He was preceded in death by his wife, Tula; his daughter, Gertrudes Sanchez; parents Pedro and Teresa Lopez; grandsons: Michael Sanchez, Aaron Cruz, Matthew Sanchez, his in-laws, Rene Ramirez, Sr., Mary Sanchez, and Martin Burrola. Left to cherish his memory are his children: Maria Luisa Burrola, Manuel Sanchez, Jr., Bertha Ramirez, Carmen (Angel) Ramirez, George (Sally) Sanchez, Rosie (Juan) Zapata, and Arnold (Diane) Sanchez. Also surviving him are 17 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, four great-great-grandchildren, as well as numerous cousins, nephews, and nieces. Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 26, 2013 from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., with a holy rosary at 7:00 p.m., at the KC Hall located at 826 E. Stenger St. in San Benito. Visitation will continue on Friday, December 27, 2013 beginning 12:00 noon at Thomae-Garza Funeral Home. Funeral mass will follow at 2:00 pm at St. Theresa Catholic Church in San Benito. Interment will take place at Mont Meta Memorial Park. Serving as pallbearers: Manuel Sanchez, Jr., George Sanchez, Arnold Sanchez, Ben Zapata, Ruben Ramirez, and Eddie Sanchez. Honorary pallbearers will be the Knights of Columbus. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Theresa Catholic Church, 1300 Combes St., San Benito, Texas, in his memory. You may sign the online guestbook and send words of comfort or sympathy cards to the family of Manuel L. Sanchez, Sr. at: www.thomaegarza.com. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the care of Thomae-Garza Funeral Directors, 395 S. Sam Houston, San Benito, Texas, (956) 399-1331.