A Son Remembered: The Legacy of Randy Lee Torres
This Friday, April 11, the Torres family of Corpus Christi will say their final goodbyes to their beloved son, Randy Lee Torres, who passed away on March 24 at the age of 35 after a courageous and lifelong fight with congenital heart disease.
Despite the odds stacked against him since birth, Randy lived a life defined not by limitations but by perseverance, intelligence, and a love for technology that touched the lives of many. He was only two courses away from earning his degree in Computer Programming from Del Mar College—a goal he pursued with passion and determination.
A Fighter Since Day One
Doctors warned the Torres family early on that Randy might not live beyond 35 years. But his family, anchored by faith, chose hope over fear.
“You know, when I heard that, I thought—they can say that, but we’re going to leave it to the Lord,” recalled his father, Julio Torres. “If it’s 35 for him to leave us, we’ll accept that.”
Throughout his life, Randy endured around 20 surgeries and countless road trips in search of medical care, from Brownsville to Corpus Christi, San Antonio, and finally Houston, where he passed away.
Even with such a physically demanding life, Randy focused on meaningfully living. His family rallied around him, drawing strength from his resilience.
A Brother’s Courage and a Sister’s Admiration
Randy’s younger sister, Juliana Torres, fondly remembered him as a source of inspiration and strength for their Corpus Christi family.
“I always thought my older brother was almighty and powerful,” she said. “I never saw it as something that impeded him. He was so smart.”
She shared how Randy’s passion for computers and technology motivated him to push forward, no matter the obstacles. His dream was clear and powerful: to finish school and build a career around the tech world he loved so much.
A Standout Student with a Gift for Technology
Randy’s academic journey at Del Mar College wasn’t just a pursuit of a degree—it was a stage where his brilliance shined. Randy left an indelible mark under the mentorship of Latife Bechara-Medina, Program Director of the Network Administration & Information Security Program.
“He was one of those students that you want the class full of them!” Bechara-Medina recalled. “He was always a leader… always knowledgeable. If we were stuck, he would often solve my questions.”
Randy’s dedication never wavered, even when his health declined and he shifted to remote learning. He made it a point to attend his final exam presentations in person—an act that left a lasting impression on his professor.
A Call to Families: Cherish Every Moment
The Torres family has chosen to share their story as a tribute to Randy and a message of hope for others facing similar battles.
“Be with your son or your daughter, and love them. Because you never know when it’s gonna be the last day,” said Julio Torres. “As a family, we prayed—we had to hope until the last moment, and then pray, pray, and pray.”
Celebrating a Life Well Lived
Services for Randy will take place at Funeraria Del Angel Corpus Christi. Visitation will be at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, followed by a prayer service and burial at Memory Gardens Cemetery at 3:00 p.m.
To celebrate Randy’s life, the family invites attendees to wear attire that reflects his interests: San Francisco 49ers jerseys, gaming-related apparel, or anything reminiscent of Dragon Ball Z, a show he loved dearly.
The Torres family launched a GoFundMe campaign to help them cope with this heartbreaking loss, and they encourage the community to offer support in any way they can.
Honoring Strength and Spirit
Randy Lee Torres spent 35 years defying medical predictions, inspiring classmates and professors, and showing the world the power of perseverance. Though he faced many challenges, he filled his life with love, passion, and brilliance—proving that even in adversity, the human spirit can shine brightly.