Msg (Ret) Antonio “Tony” Garcia-Velez

MSG (Ret.) Antonio “Tony” Garcia-Velez, 87, of Phenix City, AL formerly of Columbus, GA died at his home on Friday, July 8, 2022.

Funeral services will be held 12:30 PM (EST) on Wednesday, July 13, 2022 at the Chapel of Vance Brooks Funeral Home, Phenix City, AL with Rev. Ken Dawson officiating. Interment with U.S. Army Honors will follow at Ft. Mitchell National Cemetery. The family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 6:00 PM till 8:00 PM (EST) at the funeral home.

MSG (Ret.) Garcia was born in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico on January 12, 1935 son of the late Antonio Garcia-Sanjurjo and Sofia Velez-Rivera. He retired from the U. S. Army after 27 years of service. He also retired from Pratt & Whitney, Columbus, GA as a Purchasing Agent.

MSG (Ret.) Garcia joined the U. S. Army on September 10, 1950 and served during the Korean War with Company “M” 65th Infantry Regiment of the 3rd Infantry Division. He also served in the Vietnam War as 1st Sgt of Company “B” 1/46th Infantry of the 196th Infantry Brigade, 23rd Infantry Division.

He was a life member of the American Legion Post 35, VFW Post 665, DAV Chapter 56, AUSA. Mr. Garcia was also a member of the Columbus Ft. Benning Lodge 579, Scottish Rite Free Masonry and 40/8 VOITURE 280.

While in the service, MSG (Ret.) Garcia was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge, Meritorious Service Medal (1 OLC), Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal (2 OLC), National Defense Service Medal (1 OLC), Good Conduct Medal (8th Award), Vietnam Service Medal with 4 Bronze Stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 Device, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm and unit, 3 overseas bars, Korean Service Medal with 2 Bronze Stars, United Nations Service Medal, Valorous Unit Award and 8 Service Stripes.

Tony was a man of pride. He was proud of his family, of himself, and all of his and his family’s accomplishments. He never wanted anything more than for everyone to be successful, take pride in themselves, and live a wonderful and healthy life.

Tony was preceded in death by his wife, Paulette Leroy Garcia and a son, Anthony Rene’ Garcia.

Survivors include his two daughters, Olga I Hall (Ricky), Columbus, GA and Sophie P. Garcia, Phenix City, AL; two sons, Rene’ A. Garcia (Lisa), Columbus, GA and Danny D. Garcia (Traci), Phenix City, AL; three grandchildren, Christina J. Kees (Elliott), Summer Rene Garcia Head (Jeremy) and Jayson Leatherland (Lauren); three great-grandchildren, Owen, Olivia and Ansley; several other family members and friends.