Juan (Franky) F. Chavez

Juan Francisco Chavez, known lovingly as Franky, passed away on July 5, 2026, in McAllen, Texas, at the age of 53.

He was born on October 29, 1972, in McAllen, Texas, and lived a life marked by love, kindness, and thoughtfulness. He was a generous, giving, and fun-loving man who brought warmth and laughter to those around him. He was especially known for his big heart, his easy smile, and the joy he found in the simple pleasures of life. He loved his Cowboys as much as he loved eating, and that enthusiasm was part of the charm that family and friends treasured about him.

Franky was a Christian whose faith and gentle spirit were reflected in the way he treated others. Even though Franky was paraplegic from the age of 16 he was a warrior and he fought life to the last day. It was Pastor Robert Soto, who brought him to know about salvation and Jesus Christ on that day when he was 16, and he was the one who married him and his wife Brenda. Special thank you to you Pastor for the faith you instilled in Franky. During this same time in his life he was asked to be in an Easter Seals commercial, The Power to Overcome for the community and on TV. He was a Victory Outreach disciple who spread the good word about Jesus with Pastor Rolando.

Franky was devoted to his family and held them close throughout his life. He is survived by his mother, Leticia Bocanegra Ross (Donald); stepdaughter, Alejandra Yates (Joseph). He also leaves behind his beloved granddaughter, Allison Yates, who brought him great joy. He is survived by his siblings, Mariana Castillo Limon (Juan), Jennifer Marie Ross Nava (Andy), Gernimino A. Chavez (Tony), and Jose Castillo Jr. (Audrey). He is also remembered with love by his nieces and nephews, Raziel Limon, Raphael Limon, Arya Limon, and Madilyn Castillo.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Brenda Chavez Millan, who was the love of his life. He was also preceded in death by his father, Juanito F. Chavez, and by his grandparents, Mariana and Andres Bocanegra, and Carolina Q. Chavez, his stepfather Jose Castillo whom he loved, as well as numerous aunts and uncles. Their memory remained close to his heart, and he carried their love with him throughout his life. He was also preceded in death by his Furry son, Lucky whom he loved and was with him for 15 years. Franky’s family bonds were strong, and he loved his brothers and sisters deeply, along with his mother and his stepdaughter, Alejandra, whom he cherished as his own.

Franky valued education and personal growth. He graduated from Memorial High School in 1991. He received his associate degree in Office Specialist at STC and was a senior at Grand Canyon University, where he was pursuing a degree in counseling. His commitment to learning reflected his desire to help and encourage others, and it spoke to the compassionate nature that defined him. He was a man who believed in lifting others up, and that spirit was evident in the way he lived each day.

He also enjoyed meaningful connections through his family and community. His uncle, Master  Miguel A. Bocanegra from the 9th DAN black belt by world Taekwondo Federation Kukkiwon, made him an honorary Taekwondo member, an honor Franky appreciated deeply. He adored his aunts, uncles, and cousins, and he was known as a happy guy who brought positivity wherever he went. Those who knew him will remember his loving nature, his kind heart, and the thoughtful way he cared for others. He was blessed with the support of his providers, Juana Vidales, Blanca Garcia and Albert Martinez, whose help meant so much to him, along with all the people who cared for him during his life. 

Thank you to the McAllen Nursing Center and Allstate Hospice for all the care and compassionate attention, Dr. Alejandro Fuentes and Dr. Matos and many others to numerous to name.

Franky’s life will be honored with visitation from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 11, 2026, with a service at 7:00 p.m. officiated by Pastor Louie Canchola. Service arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Rivera Funeral Home of McAllen.

Juan Francisco Chavez will be remembered as a loving, kind, and thoughtful man whose presence brought comfort and joy to those around him. His memory will live on in the hearts of his family and all who were fortunate enough to know him.

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