Juan Medina Sr.

Weslaco-

Juan Manuel Medina Sr., an amazing pillar of the Weslaco community, passed away on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at home, surrounded by his children and granddaughter. Born on a ranch in San Manuel, Texas, to Juan and Aurora Medina on November 8, 1946, Juan grew up in a ranching family that worked hard from sun up to sun down to make their living. 

Juan began his education at Brewster Primary School before attending Edinburg High School, where he discovered his passion for sports. A standout athlete, he earned recognition as a valley-wide All-Star and All-State football player under the guidance of legendary coach Fred Akers. Known for what many today would call 'farm strength,' Juan combined raw power with exceptional speed and agility, making him one of the most formidable opponents under the bright lights of Friday night football. His deep-rooted connection to agriculture was just as strong, leading him to actively participate in 4-H, where he embraced his heritage and love for the land.

Juan’s exceptional talent earned him offers from Tulane, Purdue, A&I, and the Naval Academy. Ultimately, he chose Texas A&M to stay close to his family in the Rio Grande Valley and join his brother at Aggieland. After years of hard work in the family business, Juan often joked that he felt like he was on vacation from the moment he entered college—retired at just eighteen. He firmly believed that education was the key to success, encouraging his children to attend any university they desired—but with one condition: he would pay for them to go to Texas A&M.

Juan graduated in 1969 with a Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Economics and was also an Aggie letterman in fencing. He began his career in Austin as a bank appraiser, navigating a time when Mexican-American white-collar opportunities were scarce. Yet, with his signature 'Juan Medina' wit and humor, he faced adversity head-on. While he enjoyed the excitement of city life, his heart remained rooted in the red dirt of the Valley. Despite numerous opportunities to relocate to bigger cities, Juan firmly believed the Valley was the best place to raise a family, ensuring his children grew up well-rounded and grounded in their roots.

Alongside his good friend and compadre, Robert McAllen, Juan led Magic Valley Savings and Loan as President and CEO, later continuing his career as a highly respected banker. In the mid-eighties, he discovered his passion for real estate and construction, founding Medina Construction—a venture that soon grew into what we now know as Medina Real Estate. Juan built a thriving business through his self-made efforts and fostered countless long-standing personal and professional relationships.

As he prospered, so did his community. A relentless worker, he was always the first to arrive at the office and the last to leave. He often reminded others, 'The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary.' Even during challenging times, he never wavered in his work ethic, selling watermelons on the streets when necessary. His philosophy was simple yet profound: “There is no shame in working—only in not working.”

Juan deeply believed in the power of community service. A dedicated member of Rotary International, he embraced the many opportunities it provided, often reminding his family, 'Wherever you are, find the nearest Rotary Club and become a member.' As a Paul Harris Fellow and former President of the club, he embodied the club’s spirit of service.

His commitment extended beyond Rotary. He played a vital role in the community, serving on the Housing Authority, the Weslaco Economic Development Committee, and the National Board for the Girl Scouts of America. He was also a devoted leader for Boy Scouts of America Troop 100 and a licensed small aircraft pilot. In recognition of his dedication, he was honored as Weslaco’s Man of the Year in 1979, the same year he embarked on his greatest adventure: starting his family.

Juan was a loving and devoted father who cherished his children—Roland, Juan Jr., and Felicia. As an entrepreneur, he balanced his work with being fully present in their lives, never missing a school event or special moment.

Weekends were often spent at the family ranch in San Manuel, where he passed down hunting and outdoor cooking traditions. He took great pride in preparing and sharing beloved South Texas recipes, especially his mother’s award-winning Pan de Campo. His passion for the outdoors extended to the water, where he loved fishing the Arroyo, the Gulf, and Laguna Madre. He never came home empty-handed—there was always fresh fish for supper.

To many, Juan was more than just an avid fisherman; he was a trusted guide, long before GPS technology, always knowing the best fishing spots. And when GPS came along, he embraced it, eagerly marking new locations to revisit with friends and family. A day of fishing began with a customary stop to purchase “Big Red” soda, and never Diet, because Juan wanted to catch “Big Reds”, and they usually did. One of his favorite sayings captured his love for camaraderie on the water: “The only thing better than having your own boat is having friends with boats.” 

Juan was a passionate golfer who dedicated countless years to the sport. A longtime member of the McAllen Country Club, he later joined Cimarron, where he continued to refine his game. A consistent five-handicapper, Juan also played at Tierra Santa and numerous courses across Texas, always eager for the next challenge.

For him, golf was more than just a pastime—it was a family affair. While his children attended karate lessons, he took to the course, effortlessly impressing colleagues with his skill. His playing partners were often astonished by his abilities. In one unforgettable moment, he swung with such sheer force that he literally exploded out of his shoes—finishing the round with a torn shoe but an unshaken confidence.

Juan had a knack for turning friendly rounds into profitable ones, regularly outplaying younger opponents who underestimated his game. With a powerful drive that could reach par-4 greens and a steady hand that sank putts when it mattered most, he became a sought-after teammate in tournaments, winning numerous competitions.

Beyond the thrill of competition, Juan cherished the game’s serenity—walking the course for exercise, taking in the topography, nature, and fresh air. He loved the individuality of golf, often saying, “When you play golf, it’s you vs. you.” Now, his son, Juan Jr., proudly carries on his legacy, sharing the same passion for the game.

Juan found joy in life’s simple pleasures—dropping his kids off at school with his favorite 'Juan in a Million' coffee mug in hand, cheering on Aggie football, and savoring Sunday barbecues. He loved relaxing dips in the pool, but some of his most cherished memories were made on the road.

He embraced every adventure from Texas Rangers games and Six Flags roller coasters to scenic drives through the Hill Country, Poteet’s strawberry season, and Fredericksburg’s peach harvest. He had a knack for discovering hidden-gem barbecue joints and antique stores, always seeking the best off-the-beaten-path experiences. His love for travel took him beyond Texas—ski trips to Santa Fe, lobster in Boston, pizza in New York City, calamari in Spain, and even a cross-country road trip that included one of his favorite memories: witnessing the 1984 Olympics.

Juan was a proud and deeply loving father and grandfather. He never missed an opportunity to express his love and affection. Cherished by many as a trusted advisor—both personally and professionally—he was not just a mentor but a true friend, always full of warmth and wisdom.

In his later years, he found great joy in guiding and advising close friends, colleagues, and business partners, always eager to share his experiences and give back. Despite the challenges of his handicap, he never dwelled on what could have been. Instead, he embraced life with gratitude, often saying, 'I’m so glad I lived and did all I ever wanted to—I never look back wishing I had.

Juan is preceded in death by his parents, Juan and Aurora Medina, and sister, Mary Lou Medina. 

He is survived by Mary Alice Medina, his children, Juan M. Medina, Jr., Roland Medina, Felicia Nicole Medina Parker (T.J), grandchildren, Victoria Medina, Nicholas Benjamin Medina, Natasha Medina, and Luciana Aurora Mae Parker, brother, Alfonso J. Medina (Lupita+), nieces, Ana Medina Salinas, Sandra Kopytek, and Claudia Medina Benavides. 

Visitation will be held on Friday, March 7, from 3-9 pm, with a Holy Rosary at 6 pm, followed by sharing of stories. Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, March 8, at 2 pm, at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Weslaco. Following mass, Juan will be laid to rest at Val Verde Memorial Park in Donna.