Narciso Florez, Jr.

Narciso Florez Jr. left his earthly body and woke up in the arms of Jesus. He passed away in the arms of his loving wife of 54 years on March 24th, 2024. Narciso had recently celebrated his 80th birthday. Visitation service will be on Monday April 1st from 6-8 p.m. at Oak Crest Funeral Home with a rosary at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, April 2nd at 10:00 a.m. at St. Francis on the Brazos Church. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Waco.

Narciso was born on March 18th, 1944, in Raymondville, TX to Narciso Florez Sr. and Librada Soto. He was the middle child of 7 with 3 brothers and 3 sisters. Known as Junior, but to those who knew him well, JR. He was a great storyteller, not by Aesop standards, but the stories of his life were always amazing by every standard. Stories from his childhood, his teenage antics and Naval adventures were legendary. If that wasn’t enough, his great love for family always left you in awe. He cherished every visit with his family and friends and was always there with open arms. Narciso never met a stranger, nor did he ever see a child he didn’t claim as his own, whether it be a niece, nephew or a friend of his own children brought home from school. A lover of life, there was also the part of him that never found a stray animal he didn’t bring home as a pet.

Narciso was a proud veteran of the US Navy from 1965 - 1969 where he served in Vietnam and in the Naval reserves until 1971. He was a man overboard swimmer for a guided missile cruiser, the USS Providence CLG-6. His duties included rescuing those who fell overboard, jet pilots who missed their landing or ejected and rescuing survivors from enemy crafts, at which time he was exposed to agent orange. He was also Center gun Captain of a 6” turret and lead the way of breaching the Huẽ Wall.

Narciso was married to Maria Consuelo Florez (Connie) for 54 years. Together they loved, laughed, fought and cried, but more often just LOVED. They met by chance one summer in Victorville, California while Narciso was home on leave from the Navy and the rest, as they say, is history. Together they had 3 children, and 8 grandchildren. His love for his children only took a back seat to his love for his grandchildren.

He was a natural caretaker and did what was needed to provide for his family. He worked a full-time job, often finding side jobs from laying carpet to minor handyman deeds to make ends meet. Mostly providing funds for bills, groceries, and tuition for his children to attend private school and extracurricular activities; never complaining and always with a smile. You could often find gum in his work shirt pocket along with extra pocket change. His voice was always the one his children could hear amongst the crowd, and “LET'S GO COUGARS” from the bleachers will forever live in our ears. He always left an impression everywhere he went and with everyone he met. His smiles and hugs were ranked as some of the greatest.

Narciso was preceded in death by his parents Narciso Florez Sr and Librada Soto, his sisters Teresa Florez, Juana Florez, Lydia Hammond, his brothers Charlie Florez, Roland Florez and grandson Michael Telles.

Left to remember his life and legacy are his loving wife; his brother Johnny Joe Florez & wife Rhonda, son and daughter-in-law Orlando and Eduvelia Florez and their sons Aiden and Gavin Florez, His Son and Daughter-in-law Angelo and Michelle Florez and their children Matthew Telles and “The One and Only Granddaughter” Angelina Florez. Daughter and son-in-law Maggie and Burnie Cook and their son William Lucas Cook. Daughter Gloria Florez and her children Nora Florez and Michael Reid.

Narciso will be greatly missed by many nieces, nephews, Godchildren, and countless “adopted children” and friends.

A very heartfelt and grateful THANK YOU to Juana Herrera for the love and care she provided to Narciso over these last few months.

Dad, We love you.

The Family requests that in lieu of flowers, please donate to the USS Providence Scholarship Fund.

Checks may be in favor of : The USS Providence Association (note Scholarship Program) David Abdouch 127 Amberwood Dr Walnut,, CA 91789-2463