Manuel Franco, Jr.

Manuel Franco, Jr., aged 66, passed away peacefully in his sleep on November 5, 2024.  He was born on April 5, 1951 to Manuel Franco and Carmen Enriquez Franco in Corpus Christi, Texas.

He was a proud resident of Orange Grove, Texas and graduated from Flour Bluff High School in 1976. He completed his undergraduate studies at Texas A&I in Kingsville before pursuing his calling in education and went on to earn two master's degrees from Corpus Christi State University over the course of his career.

“Coach”, as he was affectionately known, always said it was better to be lucky than good, and he counted himself as one of the luckiest. He fulfilled his life’s calling as a proud coach, principal, and teacher in the Coastal Bend area for over 20 years. He loved winning, but he loved his athletes even more. He was committed to teaching his students and athletes to never settle for anything less than their best on the court, field, and beyond. He believed there was nothing more important than being tough enough to give everything you had in everything you did.

He was a man of honesty, integrity, and fierce love.  He was loved by many who, in time, understood that his intensity was his method of reaching untapped potential. 

He spent his time in retirement traveling to visit his children and grandchildren, playing dominoes, golfing, and gambling with friends (with a healthy amount of trash talk to go along with every outing).  He was proud to work as a Territory Manager for Southern Painting where he earned multiple awards.

He was a devoted father, grandpa, son, brother, cousin, grandson, uncle, and friend. His children and grandchildren were his pride and joy. There are no words capable of saying how much he loved his children and grandchildren and how deeply he cherished the time they spent together. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to family or friends.  He never hesitated to give a ride, provide a place to stay, help move, offer unsolicited advice, babysit, or pet sit.

He is survived by his sisters and brothers- Esther Franco, Lisa (Robert -preceded in death) Quick, Carlos (Margie) Franco, and Rico Franco; his children and grandchildren- Anna (Percy) Akins, Isaiah, Ian, Nayeli; Carmen (Katelyn) Franco; Elaine (Caleb) Lenard, Glen and Emily; Manuel Franco III, Autumn and Olivia and his nieces and nephews- Tiffany (Chris) Svehla, Tyler, Maci, Katy; Tara Svehla; Andrew (Kira) Svehla, Stanley; Amie Svehla, Mia and Micah; Marissa Gonzales, Noah; Heather (Megan) Franco; Danielle Franco; and many beloved cousins.

Manuel Franco Jr. will be missed profoundly and remembered always.

There will be a celebration of life in his honor on Saturday, November 23, 2024 in Calallen. 

In lieu of flowers we are encouraging donations to Special Hearts in the Arts.

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