Aurelio Gilbert Rodriguez

Aurelio Gilbert Rodriguez Jr. (Rod), 84, born on September 9, 1928, in Florence, Arizona, passed away September 25, 2012. He resided in Texarkana, Arkansas at the time of his passing with his family by his side. Arrangements are under the direction of Forest Lawn, Cypress, California and officiating the service is Senior Pastor Chris Quintana of Calvary Chapel Cypress.

Mr. Rodriguez worked for Albertson's as a meat cutter and retired after 40 years of service. Rod moved from California in August of 2011 to live in Texarkana to be close to his daugher and son-in-law. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Texarkana and a born again Christian. He enjoyed being in the senior choir and bible study group.

Most things we remember about our Dad that he was humble, generous, kind-hearted, funny and a loving person. Daddy instilled good work ethics in his kids and was the foundation of our family. He was the type of person that never changed and was always the same. His hobbies were building model airplanes, singing at retirement homes, easily making friends, loving his family and treasuring them.

In the last year he spent in Texarkana, Arkansas with his daughter Frances E. Brooks and son in-law Robert F. Brooks was the most freeing and enjoyable time of his life. He thoroughly enjoyed spending his time at the retirement home across the street from his residence making new friends, playing games and enjoying lunch with them. We spent alot of time with Daddy going to Church and going out to eat at his favorite place Cracker Barrel. He would love to just hang out with his son-in-law Robert to watch TV, have some food and laughs. Daddy enjoyed going bowling, barbecuing, playing games with my mother-in-law Joanne Upton. He enjoyed going on field trips with his Sunday school class. Additionally he loved to stay home at times to watch his favorite TV show, Walker, Texas Ranger, in fact he would make sure that he didn't do anything from 1pm-2pm everyday so he could sit down and watch his program.

To those who knew Rod I knew him as Daddy. I was Daddy's little girl, he meant the world to me. When I was growing up Daddy worked evenings and got home really late, I would wait up for him (trying not to fall asleep) just to get a chance to be with him. I would spend a short time watching TV with my Dad and then he would tuck me in bed. Daddy was always so loving to me, there was never a day that went by that he would tell me, " I love you" and as an adult, he would still tell me, "I love you" through-out the day - everyday. When Daddy moved out to Texarkana, he became even a bigger part of my life, we did so much together. We would go to the store, watch TV, talk about how he met my Mom also sharing parts of his life when he was growing up. We sometimes would go out to eat together, he loved going out to eat. When Daddy was diagnosed with Stomach Cancer and knowing how advanced it was we had a deeper bond as Father and daughter, I took care of him in the last few weeks of his life like never before. I can honestly say it was a precious time in our lives and a very sad time. My Daddy needed me and I was given the honor of being the one to be there for him in everyway. It was my pleasure to honor my Dad in his final weeks to show him how much I love him and appreciate all he has done for me in my life and he gave all himself to Jesus and trusted in what He was doing in him in these final days. My Dad was a praying man and prayed through-out the day to the Lord and everyday I asked him, "Daddy have you said your prayers?" and he would say, "I have talked to Jesus all day", I then would ask him, "what did Jesus say?", Daddy said every time, "He said He will always take care of me" and I would tell Daddy, "Jesus loves you so much Daddy, He promises to never leave you, He is always with you, isn't He such a wonderful God?". Daddy knew that his Savior would always be there, so he had a peace about him, even in the midst of his pain and anxiety. Daddys body was failing him but his spirit was ready to meet his Lord and Savior Jesus. I know where Daddy is and we will be together again, but my sorrow is deep because I will miss him and all the times we had together, he was a big part of me and my husbands life. Daddy will be missed by so many people because he has touched so many lives, not only here in Texarkana but in California, lets just say that where ever my Dad went he made friends. I told Daddy not to long ago before he went on a trip to visit my sister Vicki in Virginia, I said, "Daddy go shine for Jesus" and he did, now he is with Jesus in his glorified body, no more pain, younger, walking up-right and singing and worshiping the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, his Savior Jesus Christ. To God be the Glory!

Survivors include his children, Vicki Lynn Grubb, Grace Walker, Genevieve Daley, George Garcia, Greg Garcia, Gary Garcia, Gay Eileen Taylor and Frances Elizabeth Brooks; 22 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren and a number of other relatives.
Memorial Service will be at 2pm Sunday, September 30th at First Baptist Church Texarkana in the Simmons Room