Joseph Garcia, Sr passed away peacefully on August 6, 2021 at the age of 85.  Born December 1936 in Palmetto Beach, he was a long-time resident of the Tampa Bay area. He is survived by his wife of 64 years Hilda, his children Belinda (Gilbert Adams), Joseph Jr (Christina), grandchildren, Gilbert Adams, III (Amanda), Christina, Joseph III, Jayle and 3 great grandchildren, Ellie, Addison, Ava, his brothers Orlando and Jimmie Garcia, many nieces and nephews.

Joe was the youngest of 15 children, born to Justo and Esperanza Valdes Garcia.  He is preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Antonia, Mario, Gustavo, Louisa, Carmen, Onelia, Rene, Rogelio, Sara, Justo Jr., G. Ismael.

He grew up in the Tampa area, working with his father on the family farm.  He was an avid fisherman and hunter and enjoyed the outdoors with family and several childhood friends.  A Loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, he enjoyed diving for lobster in Key West, Florida and camping in his travel trailer and dedicated to his family and loved to tell stories about his childhood.

Joe was a pioneer in the forklift industry, beginning in 1959 working for a local forklift company and branching out along with his wife to owning a forklift business in 1969 (Gulf Coast Lift Truck) with a small location on 22 nd street in Ybor City, to a larger facility in 1971, until 2009 upon their retirement.

Funeral services are being held at Serenity Meadows Memorial Park, 6919 Providence Rd., Riverview, FL 33578 on Monday, August 16 th @ 9am.