Manuel Amaya, 55, of Bryan, Texas, passed away on Friday, August 21, 2026. He was born in Bryan on November 20, 1970, to Lupe Moncibiaz Castillo and the late Pete Reyes Amaya Sr. A loving son, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, Manuel will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Manuel was the kind of man who found his greatest joy in bringing his family together and creating memories that would be talked about for years to come. Whether he was firing up the BBQ, taking everyone to the lake, or gathering the family for the holidays at Grandma’s house, he made ordinary moments feel special. Those times were marked by good food, laughter, love, and plenty of stories, and they became some of the memories his family will hold most dearly.

His children were his greatest pride and joy. Manuel treasured every moment spent with them and loved making memories together. He was happiest when he could be surrounded by the people he cared about most, with music playing in the background—especially soft rock—good food on the table, and family close at hand. He did not need anything elaborate to be content; simply being with his children and loved ones was enough. His love for his family was at the heart of everything he did, and the memories he created will be cherished and carried on for years to come.

For 24 years, he poured his heart and soul into the oilfield—a job he truly loved and took great pride in. He was one of the hardest workers you could find and never hesitated to give his all to whatever was put in front of him. His dedication and hard work earned him multiple plaques throughout his career, accomplishments he was incredibly proud of. But what made his love for the oilfield so special was how much he enjoyed talking about it. If you knew him, you probably heard an oilfield story or two—or maybe a whole lot more! The oilfield wasn’t simply where he worked for 24 years; it became a huge part of who he was. He loved what he did, took pride in doing it well, and leaves behind a legacy of hard work, dedication, and a job well done.

He is survived by his mother, Lupe Moncibiaz Castillo; his children, April Collins and her husband Cody, Manuel Amaya Jr. and Chelly, Diego Amaya, and Omar Amaya; and his grandchildren, Jordan Amaya, Giovani Amaya, and Drew Collins,. He is also survived by his brothers, Pete Amaya Jr. and his wife Cindy, Mike Amaya, Robert Amaya and his wife Linda, Richard Amaya, and Paul Amaya and Nikki; his sister, Frances Pittman and her husband Anthony. Plus many nieces and nephews, as well as numerous great-nieces and great-nephews.

Manuel was preceded in death by his father, Pete Reyes Amaya Sr. And stepfather Paul Castillo.

Visitation for Manuel will be held on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Callaway-Jones Funeral Home and Crematory, 3001 S College Ave, Bryan, Texas 77801. A funeral service will follow from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the same location. Burial will take place at Bryan City Cemetery, 1111 North Texas Avenue, Bryan, Texas 77803.

Following the burial food will follow at El Toro 500 N Sims Ave, Bryan, TX 77803