With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Alberto Lopez, affectionately known to so many as Coach Bert. A visitation in his honor will be at 4:00pm, Saturday, August 8, 2026 at Grace Gardens Funeral Home. A celebration of his life will be at 2:00pm, Sunday, August 9, 2026 at The Exchange Event Center located at 300 S Jefferson Ave, McGregor, TX 76657, with burial following at McGregor Cemetery.

Alberto was born on January 7, 1986, in Anaheim, California, and passed away on July 25, 2026. Though his time here was far too short, he leaves behind a legacy of love, mentorship, and unwavering dedication to his family and community.

From an early age, Bert was known for his infectious smile, quick wit, and playful personality. He could often be found pulling pranks and getting into mischief with his siblings and cousins. That fun-loving nature never faded and became one of the qualities that drew people to him throughout his life. He had a remarkable ability to make people laugh, put them at ease, and remind them not to take life too seriously.

Although he enjoyed soccer growing up, baseball quickly became the passion that shaped much of his life. Bert graduated from Midway High School in 2005, where he was a four-year letterman and a member of the Panthers' 2003 State Championship team, earning All-District honors. He continued his baseball career at Odessa College before signing with Texas A&M University and ultimately completing both his collegiate playing career and his bachelor's degree in sociology at the University of Houston.

For Bert, baseball was never simply about wins and losses. It was about people.

In 2010, he began giving baseball and softball lessons to young athletes throughout Central Texas. He coached hundreds of players through organizations including the Dallas Tigers, Hooks Baseball, Buzz Baseball, American Freedom, Impact, GBG, and 254 Baseball.

Coach Bert was respected not only for his knowledge of the game but for the example he set every day. He taught confidence, accountability, humility, perseverance, and respect. He celebrated victories, encouraged players through disappointments, and believed every child deserved someone who believed in them. To many, he was more than a coach—he was a mentor, role model, and lifelong friend. The lessons he taught reached far beyond the baseball field and will continue to influence generations of young athletes. Most recently, Bert worked for Vestis in Woodway, where he built friendships quickly.

On December 19, 2020, Bert married Amanda in Lampasas, Texas. Their marriage was built on love, laughter, trust, and devotion. Amanda often described Bert as her protector—the steady, dependable man who made her feel safe through every season.

While so many knew him as "Coach Bert," his favorite title was simply "Dad." His girls were his lifeline. Whether he was coaching their teams, cheering from the sidelines, helping with homework or any of their activities, every moment spent with his girls was precious to him. He wanted his girls to know they were deeply loved and endlessly supported.

Some of the family's happiest memories came from the simplest moments. Bert never turned down a trip to Whataburger, or a late-night parking lot hang out; these are memories that will forever be cherished.

Family meant everything to him. He was a devoted husband, an incredible father, a loving son, a loyal brother, a proud uncle, and the kind of friend who would show up without being asked. He celebrated life's milestones and offered strength during difficult days.

Bert's faith was reflected in the way he lived each day. He served others, his life was a beautiful reminder that the greatest legacy is found not in what we achieve for ourselves, but in how faithfully we serve others.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Amanda Lopez; his cherished daughters, Blakelyn, Reece, Ramsie, and Brynlee; his parents, Sally and Jesus Lopez; his sister, Corina Hurtado and wife Tiffany; his brother, Jesse Lopez and wife Lori; his nieces and nephews, Zachary, Laura, Henry, Emily, Kenzlee, and Lindzy; along with numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family members, and countless friends, players, and families who were blessed to know him.

He was preceded in death by his father-in-law, Leonard Spivey; his mother-in-law, Lynfred Jo Spivey; his grandparents, Jose Lopez, Magdalena Lopez, Miguel Curiel, and Maria Antonio Curiel; and his beloved Tío Junior Curiel.

The Lopez family extends their heartfelt gratitude for the overwhelming outpouring of love, prayers, kindness, and support shown by friends, players, coaches, and families throughout the community. The stories shared, the tears shed, and the lives forever changed by Coach Bert are a testament to the extraordinary man he was.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to 254 Baseball, helping continue the mission that meant so much to Bert, investing in young athletes.

Though our hearts ache in his absence, we find comfort knowing that Bert's legacy lives on every time a coach chooses encouragement over criticism, every time a parent cheers a little louder, every time a child believes in themselves because someone believed in them first, and every time his family shares one more story that keeps his memory alive.