Frank (Billy) G. Benavides Jr. (86) of Corpus Christi, Texas passed away on February 8, 2024 at M Health Fairview St. John’s Hospital with his devoted wife by his side. Frank was hospitalized and was placed in the ICU after suffering a significant stroke that eventually led to his death. Frank was born in Sinton, Texas on August 26th, 1937 and was a Navy veteran stationed in Oahu, HI from 1955-1958. He soon married Julia (Garcia) Benavides on October 10th, 1959 and they were blessed with three children; Perla, Roland, and Karina. Frank was the oldest of six children, born to Francisco and Herlinda Benavides. As the oldest child, Frank was always headstrong and left school at the age of 16, subsequently joining the Navy. Frank was a jack of all trades, working as a mechanic at Brunswick Bowling. He later studied at Stevenson’s beauty college, briefly owning his own salon known as Billy’s House of Hair. He also worked as a marine mechanic working on various boats and was also a crude oil purchaser for Summit Oil for a few years. All the while painting houses and working in construction to provide for his family. Frank retired from working from the City of Corpus Christi, as a line locator, after 20 plus years.
Frank was a phenomenal bowler, swimmer, and scratch golfer well into his late 70’s. Frank (affectionately known as Papa) loved and was proud of his grandchildren more than anything; Joseph Zehetner, Katherine Heinz, and John-Michael Heinz. He never turned down a pepperoni pizza, vanilla ice-cream, or a glass of Jack and Coke. He was stubborn, tenacious, and preferred his solitude except for the company of his own family. Julia and Frank were also members of Holy Family Catholic Church. In their later years, Frank and Julia enjoyed attending many Senior Community Center Programs that provided weekly food, music, and dancing. They also loved driving along the Corpus Christi bayfront and going for walks on the T-heads.
Frank is survived by his wife Julia, children Perla (John) Zehetner, Roland (Marilyn) Benavides, and Karina (Michael) Heinz; grandchildren Joseph, Katherine, and John-Michael; sister Linda Casas, sister Ana Soliz (deceased), brother Teodoro Benavides (deceased), sister Viviana Sepulveda, sister Christina Alaniz; and other loving relatives and friends.
There will be a Cremation Committal Service for Frank held on Monday, February 12, 2024 at 10am at Ballard-Sunder in Jordan, Minnesota. He will be deeply missed by friends, family, and all who knew him.
