Pedro Rios Garcia

Pedro R. Garcia, 81, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Monday, May 4, 2026. Pedro was born on July 25, 1944, in Chavez, Mexico, to Joe and Nicolasa Garcia. At the age of two, his family moved to Exeter, California, where he was raised and attended Exeter Union schools. During his school years, Pedro enjoyed participating on the track team and developed the strong work ethic that would define his life. At just fourteen years old, Pedro began working in agriculture. He later dedicated 15 years to Sierra Winery before returning to field work as a labor contractor, continuing to work hard until his retirement at the age of 71. Pedro took great pride in agriculture and the relationships he built throughout his career. He especially enjoyed meeting ranchers and creating opportunities for his employees. At the age of seventeen, Pedro moved to Farmersville, California, he met the love of his life, Mary Quijas, in 1962. The two were married on February 26, 1966, and together built a beautiful life filled with love, hard work, and family. Together they raised two children, Amy and Adam. Pedro found great joy in tending to his garden and taking drives through the countryside, admiring the beauty of the agriculture surrounding the community he loved so much. He never missed an opportunity to teach his grandchildren about farming, often pointing out whether trees had been pruned correctly and explaining how it should have been done. More than anything in this world, Pedro cherished his family. His greatest happiness came from spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, creating memories and sharing his wisdom, humor, and love. He is survived by his devoted wife of 60 years, Mary Garcia; his daughter, Amy Garcia; his son, Adam Garcia and wife Michelle; grandchildren, Mathew (Jessica) Isais, Justina "Nikki" Alafa, Albert Alafa, Gabriel Salas, Alexandra Garcia, Adam Garcia Jr (Jovina) and Nichelle Garcia (Syrus Miranda); and great-grandchildren, Mathew (Monica), Aryanna, Alita, Sophie, Addison, Dominic, Jason, Ivan, Nehemiah, Nelaya, Azariah, and a baby girl on the way; his brother Angel Garcia. Pedro was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Nicolasa Garcia; brothers, Noni Garcia and Rudy Garcia; sisters, Josie Herrera and Lupe Garcia; as well as several beloved nieces and nephews. The Garcia family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to all those who have reached out with love, support, and prayers during this difficult time. Pedro's hardworking spirit, deep love for family, and passion for the land will forever be remembered by all who knew and loved him. Viewing will be held 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM Thursday, May 28th, 2026 at Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel, 127 E. Caldwell Ave., Visalia. Rosary will follow at 6:00 PM. Funeral services will be held 10:00 AM Friday, May 29th, 2026 at Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel, 127 E. Caldwell Ave., Visalia. Graveside services will be held 11:30 AM Friday, May 29th, 2026 at Exeter District Cemetery, 719 E. Marinette Ave., Exeter. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

Pedro Rios Garcia

July 25, 1944 - May 4, 2026