Joe Frank Garcia, 78, a resident of Waynesboro, VA, passed away on Tuesday, August 15, 2023 at his home.

He was born March 2, 1945 in New Mexico, a son of the late Frank and Mary (Ortiz) Garcia.

Joe dedicated his life to the service of others. He joined the United States Navy, and became a Navy Seal, serving during the Vietnam War era. Following his military service, he served as a firefighter in Amarillo, Texas, while attending school to become a Registered Nurse.  Joe subsequently moved to Lincoln, Nebraska to attend school to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist.  Later in his career, Joe worked as a Phlebotomist in the Augusta Health lab until his retirement.

In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by a very special granddaughter, Raven Brienne-Marie Garcia.

Surviving are his loving wife, Lorraine Whitley; son, James Garcia; daughters, Mary "Martie" Wells and her husband Edward; Christine Wilson and her husband Christopher; grandchildren, Jasmine and Madison Wells, Nathan and Kylie Garcia, Matt Soots and his wife Jessica, Elizabeth Qualls, and Heaven Garcia; great-grandchild, Kamari Wells; brother, Richard Garcia and his wife Mary Lou; and many dearly loved nieces and nephews.

A funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, August 22, 2023 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, concelebrated by Fr. Rolo Castillo, and Fr. Francis Musolooza. Pallbearers will be Edward Wells, Jose Rodriguez, David Aguilera and Cesar Hernandez.  Following Mass, there will be a reception of family and friends in the church vestibule. Interment will take place in Augusta Memorial Park with military honors rendered by the United States Navy.

In lieu of flowers, it is kindly asked that memorial donations be made in honor of Joe Garcia to the Wounded Warrior Project.