It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather, Ernest R. Soliz.  Ernest was born in Poteet, Texas on October 12, 1949 to Steven and Susie Soliz.

Ernest attended Poteet schools through his junior year; at which time, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and proudly served his country in the jungles of Vietnam, 1969-1970.

Ernest was honorably discharged from the Marines and returned to Poteet. He married Mary Angela Villanueva on November 18, 1972. They had three wonderful children Ernest, Jr  (Cindy), Kathy and Stephanie (Roy) Aguilar.  A lovely granddaughter, Andrea, joined the family in 1998.

Ernest worked at Kelly Air Force Base and retired in 1999.  He then went on to work at Lockheed Martin until 2009.   Ernest was in the U.S. Army Reserve for twenty years; attending weekend and summer training exercises throughout the United States and other countries; namely, Egypt, Panama and Belize. He loved traveling to distant lands, especially Egypt where he saw the Pyramids and the Sphinx.   He retired from the Army Reserve in 1994 with the rank of Staff Sergeant.

Moreover, Ernest was an active member of the VFW Post 6970 for fifty years, glady volunteering at their booth during the Strawberry Festival and the honor guard.

Ernest spent his retirement tending to his ranch, barbecuing every Sunday and playing on his favorite slot machine every Thursday at Kickapoo casino.  Ernest also enjoyed going to Las Vegas with his wife, Mary Angela, at least three times a year.  He also enjoyed listening to 60's music and watching westerns; The Rifleman and Gunsmoke were among his favorites.

He is survived by his children as well as his siblings, sister, Dianne (Albert) Trevino, brothers, David Soliz, and James Soliz; his uncle, Dan (Vangie) Rodriguez, and his aunts, Rosie (Ben) Sanchez and Margaret Aguilar and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Ernest was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers, Steve Soliz and Henry Soliz.

Ernest loved God, family and country.  Always a soldier.  Served his country in war and peace.

You will be in our hearts forever.

Services are scheduled for Wednesday, February 19, 2025, starting with a visitation from 9:00 am until 11:00 am with a celebration of mass at 11:00 am, all at St. Philip Benizi Catholic Church.  Services will conclude at the end of mass.