Roll Call Tribute

Brandon Eric Strey 

March 17, 1986 - May 31, 2024 

Brandon Eric Strey was born on March 17, 1986, to Donna Solarczyk and Shawn Strey in San Antonio, Texas and was raised in St. Hedwig, Texas. Brandon was the oldest of his siblings and wholeheartedly embraced his role as a big brother. From a young age, he was head strong, kind, clever, and fiercely protective of his loved ones.

Always active, Brandon loved a multitude of sports as an athlete, a coach, and a fan. He was a proud volunteer for the Catholic Youth Organization where he coached basketball and t-ball for several seasons. In addition to the St. Mark’s Lions, he never failed to support the Fightin’ Texas Aggies, San Antonio Spurs, Manchester United, and many other teams.

In addition to athletics, Brandon was very involved in student organizations and was particularly passionate about FFA. He competed in several events during his time in FFA and was on the 2003 National FFA Champion Meats Team. From 2004-2005 he served as the Texas FFA Association First Vice President and had the opportunity to travel and speak to many people around the country, an experience that had a great impact on him throughout his life.

While extracurricular activities were always important to him, Brandon was also an intellectual and led an impressive academic career. He was a first-generation college graduate whose parents instilled the values of hard work, transparent dealings, and the importance of building relationships based on the principles of openness and honesty. Brandon lived by these principles all his life and applied them throughout his higher education journey from undergrad at Texas A&M University to his professional degree from St. Mary’s University School of Law.

After graduating with his Doctor of Jurisprudence (JD) in 2013, he began his legal career in insurance defense with Plunkett & Griesenbeck. As the years progressed, he moved on to experience success as an Associate at Davis, Cedillo & Mendoza, and finally at Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart where he specialized in defense employment law. In addition to his day-to-day employment, Brandon also served as the President of the Defense Counsel of San Antonio and as a Board Member of the Texas Association of Defense Counsel.

Although we could fill pages with his professional accolades and achievements, Brandon was first and foremost a family man. He was a loving husband and father that prioritized his family above all else. While there is no amount of time that would have been enough, Brandon did everything in his power to make the most of what he had. His spirit is evident in the hearts and minds of his children and his love for them will withstand all the years of their lives.

Brandon was one of those rare people who had an enormous capacity for intelligent debate, empathetic relationships, religious passion, and fierce loyalty. He was capable of holding and respecting a multitude of opinions and experiences and would always fight for what he believed in. There was never a dull moment with Brandon; he loved faithfully, fought vigorously, and did absolutely everything he could to stay with the people he cared about. His impact in both his family and his community will continue to live on for years to come.

Brandon is preceded in death by his beloved sister, Sara Strey, grandmother, Mary Strey, grandfather, Leon Padalecki, and grandparents, Josephine and Chester Solarczyk.

Brandon is survived by his wife, Catherine Strey, sons, Brandon “Dos” Thomas Strey and Laverne “Vernie” Leon Strey, and his daughter, Mary “Georgie” Georgeanne Strey. He is also survived by his mother, Donna Solarczyk and husband David, father, Shawn Strey, siblings, Kollin and Kelsey Strey, grandmother, Peggy Padalecki, and grandfather Buddy Strey. Brandon also leaves behind his sisters in law, Carson Alsop, Caroline Alsop, and Christin Dupont and husband Blake, in addition to his parental in-laws, Elizabeth Hubert Cumberland, Miles Cumberland, Ernest Alsop, Michelle Alsop, and Goldia Hubert. He is also survived by aunts and uncles Dwayne and Lynette Padalecki, David and Roxane Padalecki, David and Cathy Schick, Margie Bilicek, Mark and Alisa Hybner, Jeff and Audrey Andrews, Richard and Karin Carpenter, in addition to several nieces and nephews, cousins, and many beloved friends.

The family would like to take a moment to offer sincere thanks to the many friends and family members who have loved, cared for, and supported Brandon, Catherine and their children over the past year and a half. You are all deeply loved and appreciated.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society, Wonders and Worries, or the Catholic Charities Caritas Legal Services in Brandon’s name.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday June 4, 2024 at Annunciation of the BVM Catholic Church in St. Hedwig, TX. The Rosary will be recited that same evening at 6:00 p.m. at the church.

Funeral Mass
Wednesday, June 5, 2024
10:00 a.m.
Annunciation of the BVM Catholic Church
St. Hedwig, TX

Father Jorge Campos- Covarrubius will officiate the Mass. Interment will follow at Christ Lutheran of Elm Creek Cemetery, Seguin, TX.