Jose Rodriguez Jr.

Jose Rodriguez, Jr. passed away on March 28, 2024, in Portland, Texas at the age of 83.
Son of Eluvina and Jose Rodriguez, he was born February 22, 1941, in Gregory, Texas. He graduated from Ingleside High School in 1959 and entered the Army shortly after, serving proudly during the Korean War aftermath. He would return home and earn his bachelor’s degree from Del Mar College in Business.
Through hard work and perseverance, he would become the first Hispanic loan officer at Citizen’s State Bank earning the trust and respect of many individuals. After leaving the banking industry, he would begin another journey with the Small Business Administration where he would eventually retire. During his “retirement,” he would continue in the real estate business buying, selling, and flipping houses.
No matter what, every Friday morning for the past twenty years, you would find him at Hi-Ho Restaurant having breakfast with his brothers and sisters. Nothing was more important to him than family. His purpose and his passion centered around his five children, his grandchildren, his great granddaughter, and his family. Limited only by his health in his later years, he traveled as often as he could to attend the soccer games, football games, dance recitals, track meets, swim meets, baseball tournaments, birthdays, and awards assemblies of his grandchildren as their beloved “Papa.” He never missed holidays with his children and instilled in them the virtues of love, compassion, forgiveness and faith. He was a true Ingleside Mustang, lifelong parishioner of Our Lady of Assumption, and a huge sports fan.
A proud veteran and self-made man, he was outspoken in his political beliefs, unwavering in his Catholic faith, undeterred in his commitment to help others, and devoted to his family.

He was preceded to heaven by his mother and father Eluvina and Jose Rodriguez, and his sister Eluvina Delgadillo and brother Jesus Rodriguez. He is survived by his children: Anthony Rodriguez, Lindy Johnson, Angelica Hernandez and husband Rodney, Missy Merriman and husband Grant, and Crystal Foody and husband Mike. He is survived by his grandchildren: Tristan Barrera and wife Ashton, Palmer Johnson, Dylan Johnson, Morgan Hernandez, Jude Hernandez, Miller Merriman, Lincoln Foody, Collin Foody, Christian Chloe Rodriguez, Nicolas Rodriguez, and Justice Rodriguez. 

He is survived by his great granddaughter Saffron Barrera. He is survived by his siblings: Ernesto Rodriguez and wife Rosa, Enrique Rodriquez and wife Lydia, Juan Rodriguez, Esther Salinas, Estella Barron, Elva Ramirez and husband Andy, and his devoted friend and buddy Alex Mendoza. He is survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins that he adored and loved with all his heart.

While we lost our dad, we know that many have lost a friend and loved one in him. He was a source of comfort and refuge for so many. While we lost him unexpectedly and far too soon, we consider ourselves to be so blessed and honored that he was the man we were privileged to call “dad.” We will miss you until we see you again. This is only “see you later alligator.”