Gary “Big G” DeLaCruz of Skidmore, Texas, passed away on June 16, 2025, at the age of 34, leaving behind a community deeply impacted by his vibrant presence and powerful legacy of connection, love, and integrity. The loss of Gary has reverberated far beyond the borders of this small South Texas town, as family, friends, and neighbors reflect not just on his untimely death, but on the enduring imprint of his life. Born to parents Delma Vela and Cruz DeLaCruz, Gary was the heart of a close-knit family, a steadfast brother, and a devoted fiancé to Ruby Hernandez. His passing marks the conclusion of a life filled with purpose, warmth, and resonance that extended into every relationship he fostered.

Known affectionately as “Big G,” a moniker that spoke as much to his outsized personality as to his physical presence, Gary was the embodiment of strength coupled with kindness. At 34, he had already become a cornerstone of his community. His influence was not measured in grand gestures but in the daily, often unseen acts of compassion and solidarity he offered to those around him. Whether volunteering to help a neighbor with car trouble, assisting elders in the community, or simply offering a word of encouragement when it was most needed, Gary served as a living reminder that heroism often resides in the everyday.

Gary’s upbringing in Skidmore was defined by the values instilled in him by his parents. Delma Vela and Cruz DeLaCruz raised him to respect family, cherish hard work, and remain grounded in humility. These guiding principles became deeply embedded in Gary’s character, shaping how he interacted with others, and serving as the invisible architecture behind his relationships. As the eldest of his siblings, he took on the role of protector, mentor, and confidant. His bond with his brothers was unshakeable, rooted in shared experiences, family traditions, and an unspoken code of loyalty.

The tight-knit nature of Skidmore gave Gary an extended family in the truest sense. In a town where everyone knows everyone, his presence was a constant at community events, church gatherings, and local celebrations. Residents recall his warm greetings, his unmistakable laughter, and the sense of peace that often accompanied his presence. But beyond the smiles and friendly conversation, there was a deep-seated wisdom in Gary—an intuitive understanding of people, of hardship, of resilience. His advice was often sought, not just by those younger than him, but by peers and elders alike. He listened more than he spoke, but when he did speak, his words carried weight.

Gary’s relationship with Ruby Hernandez was a testament to the kind of love that grows through mutual respect, shared values, and emotional generosity. Friends who knew them together describe a bond marked by deep friendship and fierce devotion. They were each other’s support systems, dreaming together about the future while supporting each other’s goals. Their engagement was not just a romantic milestone, but a public acknowledgment of a partnership built on unwavering trust and genuine affection. For Ruby, Gary was more than a fiancé—he was a best friend, a confidant, and a source of boundless encouragement.

As word of Gary’s passing spread, it unleashed a collective mourning that has brought together people across generations and walks of life. From social media tributes to in-person gatherings, the grief expressed has been profound and unfiltered. The hashtag #Skidmore has become more than a geographic tag; it now represents a network of remembrance and shared sorrow. Stories have emerged of how Gary touched individual lives—from former classmates who credit him with getting them through difficult school years, to coworkers who found in him a source of dependability and humor.

The precise circumstances surrounding Gary’s passing on June 16 remain private, with the family requesting space as they process their grief. What remains public, however, is the unshakable truth that his absence is deeply felt. At only 34, Gary leaves behind not just memories but a model for how to live with generosity and dignity. While the town of Skidmore may eventually return to its routines, there will forever be an empty seat at family dinners, a missing voice in group conversations, and a palpable silence in the spaces Gary once filled.

As is often the case in small communities, the death of someone so central prompts broader reflection. How do we define the measure of a life? In Gary’s case, the answer lies in the indelible impact he made in small but significant ways. It lies in the comfort he brought to his loved ones, in the values he upheld, and in the relationships he nurtured. It is no exaggeration to say that Gary DeLaCruz was loved deeply and widely.

His family now faces the monumental task of moving forward without him, drawing strength from each other and the community Gary helped build. Delma and Cruz have not only lost a son, but a beacon of the values they instilled. Ruby has lost the future she envisioned with a man who brought stability and joy into her life. His brothers have lost their leader, their friend, and their first protector.

Plans for Gary’s memorial are underway, and the service is expected to be both intimate and widely attended. It will serve not only as a moment of farewell but as a collective affirmation of the man he was. Community leaders are already discussing ways to honor his legacy—perhaps through scholarships, community service days, or other acts that echo Gary’s commitment to lifting others up.

In the end, the story of Gary “Big G” DeLaCruz is not defined by his final day, but by the countless moments of grace, kindness, and courage that preceded it. He was a son who made his parents proud, a brother who led with love, a partner who cherished his fiancée, and a community member whose presence made Skidmore a better place. His legacy, woven through the lives he touched, will endure long after the grief has faded.

Gary DeLaCruz is gone, but he is not lost. He lives on in the values he championed, in the lives he improved, and in the love that continues to surround his name. His was a life well-lived, a presence deeply missed, and a memory forever held close.