Motorcyclist who died in recent crash was an Army veteran and a Laurel Hill resident

The crash occurred at about 2 a.m. July 12 at the church, which stands at 492 N. Ferdon Blvd. (State Road 85). Villarreal had been driving southbound on Ferdon when he left the roadway and struck the church, according to Crestview Police officials.

City Police Lt. Joshua Grace provided the motorcyclist’s identity today. Further information about the crash was not available.

Funeral arrangements for Villarreal are being handled by the Emerald Coast Funeral Home in Wright. The funeral home’s website provides the following tribute:

“Oscar Villarreal, often known as “Oso,” to his friends and family, unexpectedly passed away on July 12, 2024, in Crestview, Florida. Born on September 15, 1997, to his wonderful parents Liliana Munoz and Oscar Villarreal Sr, Oscar was well-known and loved by everyone he touched. Everyone had something to love about him, whether it was his infectious smile and laughter, witty sense of humor, or his broad shoulders to lean on.

“Oscar was born and raised in Tucson, Arizona where he spent most of his time with his parents, Oscar Sr. and Liliana, and younger brother Alejandro. Throughout his childhood, Oscar always sought adventure. Whether riding his bike around Tucson or working at the cell phone repair shop, Oscar always looked for life’s next best thing. After graduating from Tucson High School in 2015, Oscar decided to stick to his life goal of travel and adventure and join the United States Army. Eager to join the military, he left for Basic Training on his birthday.

“Throughout Oscar’s military career, he submerged himself in ensuring he was the best soldier, leader, mentor, and friend he could be to everyone he met. Oscar was a 94F, Computer/Detection Systems Repairer. Throughout his career, Oscar aimed to broaden his horizons by always volunteering for different opportunities and improving himself professionally. During his time in the military, Oscar had traveled all over the world. At the beginning of his military career, Oscar began his journey by being stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky with the 5th Special Forces Group. During his time at the 5th Special Forces Group, Oscar deployed to Jordan and Syria. During his deployments, he made many close relationships and checked some countries off his travel list.

“After being stationed in Fort Campbell, Oscar received orders to go to Camp Casey, South Korea. During his time in South Korea, he met his wife, Zoe. Oscar and Zoe traveled the country of South Korea every waking moment they could. Whether it was seeing the world’s largest flat-screen television, or going to a hole-in-the-wall restaurant, Oscar knew exactly what to do to make people smile — especially Zoe. After his year was complete in South Korea, Oscar began his next journey to Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, with the 7th Special Forces Group. During his time in the 7th Special Forces Group, Oscar’s achievements continued to grow. Oscar was rejoined by his wife Zoe shortly after his arrival. Oscar and Zoe got happily married on December 30, 2022.

“Shortly after getting married, the newlywed couple bought their first home in Laurel Hill, in June of 2023. Oscar began his real estate journey shortly after to “support his wife’s shopping habits.” Oscar was a successful real estate agent, selling just shy of a million dollars in real estate in less than a year.

“Oscar’s accomplishments include; but are not limited to, SERE, Battle Staff NCO, United States Army Airborne School, Master Resiliency Training, Schools NCO, Anti-Terrorism Officer, 7th Special Forces Motorcycle Mentor, an established real estate agent, National Honor Society member, and Summa Cum Laude.

“Oscar’s passions were no secret to anyone who knew him. He loved his wife, dog, family, friends, seeing the world, and motorcycles. Oscar aimed for greatness in every one of those passions.”

“As Oscar’s wife, the list of amazing qualities I can say about him is endless. Oscar is the most devoted and loving person I have ever met. All Oscar aimed for was happiness for not only himself but everyone around him. Oscar has been nothing short of a blessing to me. It could be the worst day of my life and all I have to do is think about his goofy smile and all my worries go away. Oscar is the best thing that has ever happened to me. Every day I wake up, I thank God that He had put someone as gracious and passionate as him in my life. I can only pray to one day be half the person that my husband was. I will love him forever.”

“Oscar’s memory is honored and kept alive by his loving wife, Zoe Villarreal, his parents, Liliana Munoz and Oscar Villarreal Sr, his brother, Alejandro Villarreal, his best friend, Gator, and the many people he touched along the way.”

Funeral services are scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday, July 27 at Emerald Coast Funeral Home, 161 Racetrack Road NW in Wright. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 11 a.m. until the service hour.