Willie Shane Garcia

Willie Shane Garcia

December 5th, 1979 - May 3rd, 2025

Willie “Bud” was a man whose heart beat with a love so deep and so unwavering that everyone who knew him felt it. Whether it was in his embrace, his laughter, or the way he simply showed up for those he cared about. He was a devoted husband, a proud and loving father and grandfather, a cherished son, a loyal brother, a caring uncle, and a true friend to many. To know Willie was not just to love him, it was to feel seen, valued, and unconditionally loved. He was the kind of man who made you feel like you mattered without judgments.

Music was one of the many ways Willie expressed his soul. He loved every kind of sound that stirred the heart, and he shared his favorite songs like gifts. Passing them on with excitement, eager to connect with those he loved through lyrics and melodies. He wasn’t afraid to be silly, often making up his own freestyles and dances just to bring joy and laughter to the moment.

Baseball held a special place in Willie’s life. More than a game, it was a way he bonded deeply with his son, friends, and family. Coaching his son’s team for many years, he poured his heart into teaching, guiding, and cheering from the sidelines.

His pride in being a Raider fan was unshakable. He wore his silver and black with a fierce loyalty that matched the passion he had for everything he loved. From head to toe, he repped his team with pride and joy.

But if there was one thing that truly filled Willie’s spirit, it was the peace and happiness he found in nature. Camping with his family and his fur baby, Quila “Monster”, was more than a pastime. It was a ritual of love, of presence and gratitude. Around the campfire or beneath the stars, he found peace in the stillness, joy in the togetherness, and comfort in simply being surrounded by those he loved most.

Willie’s greatest treasure in life was his family. He lived for them. He loved for them. There was never a moment of doubt about where you stood with him. He made it his mission to let you know how deeply he cared. His love wasn’t quiet or conditional. His love was bold, it was constant, and it was passionately given. He showed up, not just with words, but with action, time, energy and with his whole heart.

Willie could be a very stubborn and serious man, but underneath that tough exterior was a man overflowing with generosity, loyalty, and warmth. He had a light that filled the room the moment he walked in. Whether he greeted you with a quick joke, a warm smile, or one of his big hugs followed by a kiss on the cheek, you felt it. You felt the love that radiated from him.

Losing Willie has left a void that words will never be able to fill. His absence is a silent ache that lingers in the hearts of all who loved him. It broke our hearts to lose him, but we know he did not go alone. A part of each of us went with him when God called him home.

“If tears could build a stairway, and heartache could pave a road, we’d walk the path to heaven and bring him back again. In life, we loved him with everything we had; in death, we love him even more fiercely. He holds a place in our hearts that no one else ever could—or ever will.”

Willie, your love lives on in every song we hear, every game we watch, every campfire we light, and every hug we share. You were one of a kind. And though you're no longer here in body, your spirit, your laughter, and your love will echo in our lives forever.

Willie is survived by his wife, Alexia Garcia; mother, Lorraine Sanchez; his children, Trayton, Jayce and Ayla; his grandchildren, Eleo and Naieli; his siblings, Frankie, Misty, Tyler and Matthew, his grandparents, Vera Ybarra and William (Bill) Pollock, and fur baby, Quila (Monster)

Willie is preceded in death by his parents, Willie John Garcia and WilmaLee Pollock Paret; grandmother, Lena Pollock, and brother, Brian Madlung.

Services will be held on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at Peel Funeral Home. 8525 W. Magna Main St., Magna, UT.

Viewing - 10 am - noon

Funeral - noon - 1 pm

Burial at Pleasant Green Cemetery in Magna.