Rafael Castro Silva

Rafael Castro Silva, 89, of Columbia, SC passed away peacefully at his home on November 29, 2015. He was born on December 20, 1925 in Vega Baja, Puerto Rico to the late Don Claudio and Petrolina Silva Castro. Castro was a proud US Army Veteran with over 24 years of faithful and honorable service. He served in Korea during the war, and all over the world. After his retirement, Castro continued to serve at Fort Jackson as a photographer for all of the new military recruits. Castro enjoyed playing games with the family at home. He was a quiet and gentle spirit. He was almost unbeatable at dominoes and enjoyed playing bingo. Castro was a diehard Atlanta Braves fan and a strong supporter of the USC Gamecocks. Castro loved his family and the simple things in life like sitting on the front porch with his wife of 64 years. He will be missed by those he loved, and those that loved him. Rafael is survived by his wife Minerva A. Castro, daughters; Carmen Amick (Ron), Yolanda Cruzado (Geraldo), grandchildren; Rafael "Rico" Castro, Lydia Marie Castro, Ryan Castro and Justin Castro, Michele "Shellie" Amick and Ann Marie Amick. He is also survived by many brothers, sisters and cousins. He was preceded in death by a son Rafael Angel Castro The family will receive friends at Thompson Funeral Home, 845 Leesburg Road, Columbia, SC 29209 on Friday, December 4 2015 from 12 PM until 2 PM. Funeral services will be in the chapel of the funeral home following the visitation with Pastor Patti Sue Burton Pye officiating. Interment will be at Greenlawn Memorial Park.