Israel Garcia Trevino Sr.

Israel “Role” “Lee” Garcia Trevino, age 84, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 4, 2026.

Role was born on February 17, 1942, in San Benito, Texas, to the late Julio and Hortencia Trevino. As the eldest of eight children, he helped pave the way for a close-knit family that remained one of the greatest blessings of his life. He is survived by his siblings, Naomi (Joe) Rodriguez, Roel (Sally) Trevino, Diana (Juan) Nunez, Rodolfo (Annabell) Trevino, Julio (Consuelo) Trevino, and Albert Trevino. He was preceded in death by his brother, Ruben (Susan) Trevino.

Role met the love of his life, Guadalupe “Lupe” Garcia, and the two were married on July 28, 1962. Together they shared 57 beautiful years of marriage, building a life filled with love, devotion, adventure, and family. Anyone who knew Role knew that Lupe was his greatest treasure. There wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for her. Wherever life or business took him, Lupe was right by his side. Their love story was one of unwavering commitment and companionship.

Together they were blessed with three children: the late Israel Trevino, Jr. (wife Cherie), the late Constance “Connie” Trevino, and Alfredo “Freddy” Garcia Trevino.

Role’s life was a true testament to hard work, determination, and perseverance. With only a sixth-grade education, he built a successful career through grit, ambition, and an entrepreneurial spirit. At just 13 years old, he began driving cotton trucks for migrant workers. He later worked as a ranch hand operating heavy machinery before moving into sales, where he quickly discovered his natural talent.

Over the years, Role sold insurance, appliances, automobiles, and eventually heavy-duty trucks. His gift for sales became legendary. During his time at Lone Star Ford in Dallas in the early 1970s, he dominated sales contests, earning trips to the Daytona 500, Las Vegas, hunting excursions, fishing adventures, and countless awards. Because he seemed to win every contest put before him, his coworkers nicknamed him “Lee Trevino,” comparing him to the famous golfer who was winning tournaments across the country at the time. While he wasn’t the golfer, he became a legend in his own right as a salesman.

In 1978, Role began selling heavy-duty trucks, and in 1981 he took a leap of faith and founded South Dallas Trucks & Parts. Through hard work, persistence, and a willingness to take risks, he built and operated the company for more than 40 years. He never accepted “no” for an answer and possessed an extraordinary confidence in his ability to make a sale. If he wanted something—or if Lupe wanted something—Role would find a way to make it happen. His persistence, determination, and business acumen earned him the respect of colleagues, customers, friends, and family alike.

Business often took Role across the country, but he always found a way to mix work with pleasure. He loved sightseeing, exploring new places, and discovering the best local “hole-in-the-wall” restaurants wherever he traveled. He had a deep appreciation for the outdoors and especially enjoyed hunting and fishing.

Role also enjoyed trying his luck at the casino. He loved playing crapless craps and blackjack, and every now and then he would sit down at a slot machine. More often than not, luck seemed to find him there as well. One of his proudest casino stories was hitting a $10,000 jackpot while visiting Las Vegas.

Above all else, Role cherished his family. He leaves behind his loving son, Alfredo “Freddy” Garcia Trevino; grandchildren, Israel Gary (Rachel) Trevino III, Erica Renee (Roland) Paredez, Nikki Reanne (fiancé Samuel Stennent) Trevino, Victoria Lynn Trevino, Kobie Sean (Sophia) Trevino, and Riley Kade Trevino (Cameron Musteen); and great-grandchildren, Luke and Layla Trevino; Ella, Riley, and Evelyn Paredez; Elena Reanne and Teagan Elizabeth Linda Trevino; Marshall Musteen; and Deckard and Ridley Trevino. Role was especially proud that his great-grandson, Deckard George Lee Trevino, was named in his honor.

Though his accomplishments in business were many, Role’s greatest achievement was the life he built with Lupe and the family he loved so deeply. His strength, determination, sense of adventure, generosity, and unforgettable personality will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A celebration of Role’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. at Green Funeral Home in Red Oak, Texas. Interment will immediately follow at Ferris Memorial Park North in Ferris, Texas.

Role’s legacy lives on through the family he loved, the business he built, and the countless lives he touched along the way.

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