Frank U Cortez

Frank was born on December 1, 1932, in San Antonio, Texas, to Bartolo Cortez and Camilla Perez Ugalde. He was preceded in death by his sister Beatrice and his brother Ernesto.

He is lovingly remembered by his children, Tami Mote (Walt) and Theresa Kesser (Mark); his sister, Anita; his brother, Robert; his grandsons, Will Mote, Olson Smith, and Cort Smith, and great grandson, Waylon Mote; and many cherished nieces and nephews.

Frank proudly served his country in the United States Air Force and was a veteran of the Korean War. Upon returning home, he reunited with his lifelong passion for cooking—a love he learned at an early age from his mother.

His career in the restaurant industry took him to the Darden Brothers, the Sterling House, and the Hilton in Columbia. In 1974, Frank and his wife, Bonnie, followed their dream and opened Tez’s in Columbia, one of the area’s first dine-in Mexican restaurants. Through hard work, hospitality, and a genuine love for people, Frank created a place that became much more than a restaurant—it became a gathering place and a part of countless lives.

Over the years, Frank served thousands of people, but he never treated them as strangers. He had a remarkable gift for remembering names, faces, and stories. He especially treasured watching young customers come through his doors at the beginning of their lives, then seeing them return years later with children of their own, and eventually grandchildren. Frank always said that witnessing those generations grow was an honor.

He was blessed with many friendships throughout his life, and he cherished each one deeply. His warmth, humor, and genuine interest in others left an impression that will remain long after his passing.

His legacy lives on in the people he welcomed, the meals he prepared, the friendships he nurtured, and the generations who knew him.

A private ceremony will be held at Fort Jackson, where Frank will be laid to rest inurnment following the service. A celebration of his life will be announced at a later date.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the staff at NHC Lexington, who cared for Frank with extraordinary kindness, compassion, and love. Their gentle care and the genuine affection they showed him brought comfort to Frank and to his family, and they will always be remembered with deep appreciation.