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Rudy Martinez Garanzuay, beloved husband, father, and grandfather was called home by the Lord on Saturday, January 23, 2021. He was born on March 16, 1937 to Rudy Hoyos Garanzuay and Inocencia Rosa Martinez. Rudy was a graduate of Luther Burbank High School where learned the trade of auto collision repair. After graduating from high school, Rudy enlisted in the US Army as an E1 and served as an Armor Intel Specialist in the Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 81st Armor, 1st Armored Division, Fort Hood, TX for over 2 years. During his time of service, he was promoted to the rank of E4. Upon receiving an Honorable Discharge from the US Army, he worked at Popp Body Shop and Tindall Pontiac Dealership for many years. He later owned his own auto body shop. When Judson High School opened their auto collision repair program, he became their first instructor. He worked at Judson High School for 20 years before retiring in 1997. After retiring, he volunteered as an Airport Ambassador at the San Antonio International Airport for 10 years. In 1993 Rudy and his wife purchased an acre of land in the North Bexar County. Rudy cleared the land himself and six months later construction began on their new home. After construction was completed and they moved in, Rudy demonstrated his many talents by landscaping the property, building a four-car garage, and bricking it, building a wrought iron fence with brick columns, installing an electric gate, and laying a concrete driveway. He was a jack of all trades and master of all. Rudy was a magician with, and lifelong lover of automobiles. Over the years he customized a 1972 Ford Ranchero, a 1985 Chevy El Camino, full restoration of a 1951 Pontiac Chieftain, and a circa 1955 Porsche Speedster convertible. At the time of his passing, he was working on customizing a 1951 Mercury Coupe. As he often said, “If you love your job, you never work a day in your life.” Unfortunately, he was not able to complete the project. Rudy was preceded in death by his parents; stepfather, Ignacio Macal; sister, Lupe G. Esparza; brother; Johnny Garcia, and brother-in-law, Charles O. Pastrano. He is survived by his loving wife of 37 years Betty Cooper Garanzuay; his children: Jimmy L. Garanzuay, Laura A. Garanzuay (Brett Bradford), Larry D. Garanzuay (Dawn), John Stanson (Sofia), Marisa Bankston (Ilan); brothers: Antonio Garanzuay (Veronica), Jonas K. Garanzuay (Beth), and Roy Hoyos; sisters: Susanna Gonzales (Richard), Cynthia Blair (Ric); his friend and mother of his children, Rosa Perez Garanzuay; grandchildren: Jackson W. Bradford, Lauren O. Garanzuay, Kyle D. Bankston and Dakota M. Bankston. Rudy is also survived by his beloved nieces and nephews and numerous friends. Rudy will always be remembered as a very handsome, honorable gentlemen, soulmate to his wife, and his unconditional love of his children, grandchildren, and family. A GRAVESIDE SERVICE will be held at 11:00am, Saturday, February 6, 2021 at Holy Cross Archdiocesan Cemetery, 17501 Nacogdoches Rd. San Antonio, Texas. The family wishes to thank the COVID-19 nursing staff at North Central Baptist Hospital for their kind and compassionate care. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Us Too – www.ustoo.org, attention San Antonio Alamo Chapter, in Honor of Rudy Garanzuay, or a charity of your choice.

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Rudy Martinez Garanzuay

March 16, 1937 - January 23, 2021