Nicolas "Nick" Cantu, Jr., 66, of Bay City passed away June 16, 2022. He was born September 24, 1955 in Alice, TX to the late Nicolas Cantu Sr. and Maria Anita Garza.

Nick joined the US Marine Corps in 1976 -1980.

He married the love of his life, Maria, in 1983. They moved to Bay City, TX, started a life together and raised a beautiful family. He worked for Celanese in Bay City, as a Chemical Operator for 36 years, where he retired.

Nick loved his sports and anyone who knew him, knew he loved the Dallas Cowboys, Houston Astros, and Texas Longhorns. The only thing he loved more than his sports was his family. He enjoyed being a "pit master", while listening to Tejano music. When he was not barbequing, he was out on the dance floor with his wife every chance he got. His children meant the world to him.

He enjoyed holding his youngest grandbaby, playing games and joking with his older grandchildren, while still teaching them important life lessons.

He was well respected and admired by his peers. Nick will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Maria Leal Cantu; daughter Marissa Nicole Cantu (Rey); sons Nicolas Cantu III (Staci) and Joseph Anthony Cantu (Chelsea); sisters Irma Cantu Hulen (Robert) and Sandra Cantu Molina; grandchildren Ciana, Aaliyah and Dominic and numerous nieces and nephews.

A rosary will be recited at 9:30 AM Wednesday, June 22, 2022 at Holy Cross Catholic Church. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 AM with Father Stephen Vacek officiating. Interment will follow at Cedarvale Cemetery in Bay City, TX. Pallbearers will be Rey Lopez, Lupe Gutierrez, Jacob Molina, Paul Lopez, Edward Leal and Ernest Reyes.