Garcia was born in San Antonio, Texas and graduated from Brackenridge High School in 1943.

He enlisted in the United States Army during World War II from 1943 to 1946 and was a tank driver.

[1] On December 19, 1979, Garcia was nominated by President Jimmy Carter to a new seat on the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas created by 92 Stat.

He was confirmed by the United States Senate on September 29, 1980, and received his commission the following day.

[1] In 2004, the Hipolito F. Garcia Federal Building and United States Courthouse in Downtown San Antonio was named in his honor.