Manuel Velasquez Garza, 67, a Zolfo Springs, Florida resident for the past 57 years from Nueva Rosita Coahuila, Mexico passed away on Friday, August 26, 2022, at his home. He was born on July 31, 1955, and had been a resident of Hardee County since 1968. He was Catholic by faith. He proudly built his home where he raised his children. He was a jack of many trades. He was a construction worker as well as an agriculture worker. He truly loved his family.

Manuel is preceded in death by his parents Enrique Barrera and Aniceta Velasquez Garza, brother Enrique Garza, sister Rebeca Aguilar, and daughter Inez Garza. He is survived by his wife Maria Yolanda Garza (Badillo) who he was married to for 47 years, sons Jose Manuel Garza 42, Enrique Garza 41, daughters Maria E. Martinez 50, Irene Garza 45, Imelda Garza 35 who are all residents of Hardee County, 29 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren with 2 more on the way.

A visitation will be held on Friday, September 2, 2022, at Robarts Garden Chapel from 4:00 PM- 6:00 PM. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 3, 2022, at St. Michael Catholic Church beginning at 10:00 AM. The interment will take place at Wauchula City Cemetery.