Manuel M. Solis III - Our funny and loving father, grandfather, and friend was called home to be with the Lord, his family, friends, and brothers in arms. Manuel Muguerza Solis III was born on August 8, 1950, in San Antonio, TX, and passed away on June 24, 2026, in Seguin, TX. He was a proud Latino with deep Chicano roots, with the South Side being his stomping grounds. He attended many school dances, made lifelong friends with the other kids from his barrio, and created numerous memories of their shenanigans together. From a young age, Manuel was known for always being dapperly dressed; to the 9s, he would say. He graduated from Luther Burbank High School (Go Bulldogs!), class of 1969. In May 1970, he was drafted by the US Army for the Vietnam War and enlisted in the regular Army for 3 years 3 weeks later. Manuel served as an aircraft electrician, trained as a door gunner, and received his sharpshooter badge. He bravely served two tours of duty as a door gunner on a Bell UH-1 Iroquois helicopter, better known as a “Huey”. Manuel was left as the sole survivor when his Huey was shot down, leaving him to survive for thirteen days, lost in enemy territory while he waited to be found and rescued by his fellow brothers. As a result of his bravery, Manuel was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and Vietnam Campaign Medal. In May 1973, he received an honorable discharge and returned back to San Antonio, TX, where he briefly worked at Kelly Air Force Base and for the Express-News as a relief driver. He attended St. Philip’s College and UTSA. He was a proud Vietnam veteran. He belonged to the V.F.W. Post 76, where he attended meetings and volunteered with events. He spoke to many fellow veterans, sharing stories and knowledge, frequently volunteering his time in helping veterans navigate benefits and care. Manuel is preceded in death by his parents Manuel P. Solis, Jr. and Lucille M. Solis, and his sister Olga L. Campos. Manuel is survived by his former wife and best friend Annette Rosas, his daughters Michelle L. Ford-Solis (Samantha) and Anissa N. Solis (Jay), his much cherished grandchildren Analiese Solis, Isadora Solis, Abcde Sutton, Maya Solis, Isella Solis Gonzales, Cayden Hearell, Hailey Navarro, Kyler Johnson, and Fayth Ford-Solis, his nephew Ronny Cantu (Belia), great-nephew Ronny Cantu, Jr., great-niece Robin Cantu and numerous cousins. Manuel’s greatest joy in life was being a grandpa, lovingly nicknamed “G-Pa”. Most important to him was spending time with all his grandchildren. He always looked forward to his visits with his daughter Michelle, her wife, and his grandchildren when they came down for the summers from Idaho. Manuel will be remembered for the deep love and fierce loyalty he had for his family. His humor, his amazing storytelling, his love of music, history, and culture. His love for a good meal with his family and friends, his insatiable sweet tooth, his countless movie dates with his grandchildren, his generosity, and his kindness (always with a smile). Manuel’s viewing will take place on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at Castillo Funeral Home (520 N General McMullen, San Antonio, TX 78228) from 4 PM to 8 PM with the Rosary beginning at 6 PM. A private viewing for immediate family only will take place on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at Castillo Funeral Home from 8 AM – 8:15 AM. Prompt departure will take place at 8:15 AM to go to St. Philip of Jesus (142 W Lambert St., San Antonio, TX 78204) for the Mass of the Resurrection in honor and celebration of Manuel’s life. Interment to follow at 10:45 AM at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd., San Antonio, TX 78209, Shelter #5.