George Elias Cruz

George Elias Cruz, 66, of Pico Rivera, California, formerly of Hamburg, entered his eternal rest on October 11, 2023. He was born July 27, 1957, in Aguascalientes, Mexico, to Elias Cruz and Maria Serna Cruz. After moving to America in 1969, Mr. Cruz grew up in California, and in 1975, at the age of 18, he enlisted in the United States Army and served as Private First Class. In 1981, He was stationed in Arkansas, where he decided to plant his roots in the Martinville Community and became an honorary member of the Walters family. While living in Hamburg, he was employed by Georgia-Pacific Corporation in Crossett. In his spare time, he assisted the Ashley County Sheriff’s Department and the Hamburg Police Department as a Spanish Translator. Known as “ST1” (Spanish Translator 1), he was the first Spanish interpreter for both departments. In 1994, he moved back to California and introduced his favorite southern sayings: “over yonder” and “fixin to”. Mr. Cruz worked part-time for Target until he became ill. He was a comedian, of sorts, and loved to make people smile and laugh. He was loved by many friends and family and will be dearly missed by those who knew him.

He is survived by his wife, Rebecca Cruz of Pico Rivera, California; his daughter and namesake, Georgina “Gina” Nelms and husband, Mart; a bonus son, Stacey Walters all of Hamburg; a step-son, David Pinon and wife Lezette; a step-daughter, Dana Luevano and husband, Bryan; four sisters, Grace Resendez and husband, Edward, Adrianna Cruz, Brenda Caceres and husband Louis, and Erica Moreno and husband, Alex; two brothers, Eddie Cruz and Alex Cruz and wife, Debbie, all of California and one grandson, Ethan Nelms of Hamburg.

A family led memorial service will be held 11 a.m., Saturday, December 2, 2023, at the Martinville Baptist Church with Bro. Clayton Hales officiating.

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