In flood’s devastation, one Texan is giving bereaved families the gift of dignity—no cost, just heart

In the aftermath of the catastrophic Fourth of July deluge that ravaged the Texas Hill Country—transforming rivers into rising tsunamis—dozens of families have been left shattered, mourning the unthinkable loss of loved ones. But one man is stepping into the heartbreak with a remarkable gesture of compassion.

Trey Ganem, a Kerrville-area native and owner of SoulShine Industries, has quietly begun donating custom-designed caskets and urns to families grieving flood victims—many of them children—at absolutely no charge

“This is the hardest thing a family’s going to have to do,” Ganem told KHOU. “But we are helping with grandparents and fathers and mothers and children.”

Craftsmanship born from tragedy

Trey Ganem, a Kerrville native and owner of SoulShine Industries

Operating from Edna, Texas—just a couple of hours southeast of San Antonio—Ganem has turned his workshop into a sanctuary of solace. Using skills honed through past tragedies (including the Uvalde school shooting and Sutherland Springs church massacre), his team meticulously hand-paints each casket to reflect the personality and passions of the dearly departed

Partnering with The Graphix House and Solart Design Graphics and Printing, both of which are also donating time and materials, SoulShine ensures no family endures the sting of financial burden for a dignified farewell

It’s a ministry in motion. With help from his son Billy, his employees, and a network of local florists and volunteers, Ganem’s nonprofit “Let A Soul Shine Foundation” orchestrates complete funeral support—from floral tributes to delivered caskets—throughout the region

Beauty in sorrow, one box at a time

Ganem’s mission is as much about healing hearts as it is about sealing boxes. He shared with MySA the particular weight of this latest tragedy hitting close to Kerrville, where his family spent early childhood days by rushing streams—now transformed by a flood surge that came like “a tidal wave in the middle of nowhere”

His passion isn’t newly born—SoulShine has been handcrafting memorial caskets since 2014. Whether it’s a child lost to violence or a victim of natural disaster, his belief is unwavering:

“Nobody should have to bury their child in a plain box,” he told KHOU.
“We let your soul shine when you pass.”

A community united in grief—and grace

Through messages flooding in on social media and phone, more than a dozen families have already received SoulShine’s gifts. Community volunteers helped deliver the caskets, while over 50 florists—from Austin to Dallas—donated funeral flowers, coordinating through Glorious Kreations in Kingwood

For Ganem, this work isn’t just business—it’s ministry, ministry through artistry and love, and a profound stand against letting tragedy define grief in bleakness. When another child’s face is lovingly immortalized in paint, he knows they won’t be forgotten.

What happens next?

• Families in need can reach out directly to SoulShine Industries (Edna, TX) to request a custom casket or urn, facilitated by Ganem’s nonprofit.

• If you’re moved by this mission, consider donating through the Let A Soul Shine Foundation to support supplies and future bespoke memorials.

• Stay tuned—more volunteers, donors, and stories of hope are emerging, carrying light into communities still drowning in sorrow.