Antonio Corales Iii

Antonio “Tony” V. Corales III, 73 of Bandera Tx passed away on February 15, 2023, peacefully at his home surrounded by family. He was born on November 18, 1949, to Guadalupe and Mike Corales in San Antonio, Tx. After high school, Tony enlisted in the United States Army and was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas. He served in the Vietnam War from 1969-1971. He was a military police officer and earned the Bronze Star Vietnam Service Medal and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. Despite his bravery and recognition for his heroic actions in the war, it was a difficult time for Tony, and he did not talk about it much.

Upon returning from Vietnam, Tony met and fell in love with Rachel Cortez. He went back to school and learned all about small engines. He opened a small business in San Antonio repairing anything from lawnmowers and chainsaws to rebuilding go carts and everything in between. Tony would continue working on small engines as a hobby throughout this life. Tony also worked for Bexar County Ambulance as an “Ambulance Attendant” as they were called in the 70’s. Tony’s Army training and war time experience made him a natural when it came to helping people in emergency situations. Tony then went on to work for City Towing in San Antonio as a dispatcher and tow truck driver.  He earned a plaque for being the number one dispatcher at City Towing. He surpassed doctor’s expectations by beating cancer in 1990.  Then Tony decided it was time to relocate and he and the family moved to Bandera, Texas in 1992.

Tony was a big jokester and loved giving nicknames to all the kids and grandkids. He enjoyed being around laughter and he loved making others laugh, by playing jokes on everyone.  He loved camping, swimming, hunting, making fires, and fishing. Most of all, he enjoyed the peace that the hill country provided. Tony was always exploring and working outside around the property. He was not afraid of anything, including heights, and was often getting on ladders working on the roof or trimming trees. He loved animals, especially dogs, and always had at least one dog or cat around the house. He loved listening to a variety of music- especially classic rock, cooking, and celebrating birthdays, holidays, and other milestones with family. If there were any serious weather conditions in the area or major news events, the family could expect a phone call from Tony to notify them. He was always there if anyone needed anything.  Despite suffering several medical complications throughout his life, Tony continued to thrive and live life to the fullest.

He was preceded in death by his parents Guadalupe and Mike Corales, brothers Felipe and Charles Corales, sister Ophelia Corales. He is survived by his wife Rachel of 45 years, children: Ruben, Stacie, Carol (Calvin) and Chelsea. Grandchildren Cameryn, Ryleigh, and Holly. A celebration of life will be on March 8th at Grimes Funeral Chapel at 10am followed by Military Honors at Fort Sam National Cemetery at 2pm.