Jose Rodriguez

Jose “Joe” Rodriguez was called to his heavenly home Tuesday, August 2, 2022.  Joe was born in Mathis, Tx, to Sacarias and M. Paula (Sanchez) Rodriguez on March 16, 1949. He was a large man with a huge heart. The coined expression “tall, dark and handsome” was a most accurate description; though he was so unassuming that he never gave it a thought. He was a man of great generosity, compassion and wisdom, a man who really understood the meaning of love.

Joe was a quiet man with a great sense of humor, who didn’t always have something to say, but when he did, you could rest assured that it was well worth listening to. He worked from the time he was a young teenager. After he was married to Abbie (Flores) Rodriguez and started his beautiful family of three children; Christi, Jessica and Joey, he went to work for his then father-in-law, Lorenzo “LG” Flores, as a cement finisher. He learned his trade well and excelled at it.

Later came changes, as life always brings and he changed employers, still doing what he knew but working for his own father, Sacarias Rodriguez.  When the time came Joe took over his father’s company and with a little trepidation and a lot of faith he worked hard and smart and took a small business with a great reputation and made it bigger and better. Although he was truly a humble man and thought nothing of it.  (It was just what he did).  He left his mark, a little bit of himself, all over the great South Plains. He laid foundations for many a home and business, even sidewalks in beautiful parks, not only here in Lubbock, and the surrounding area, but as far up as Oklahoma, and south as far as Big Springs, TX. He also helped to replace basement floors for many of the County Court Houses in the Panhandle. Joe always worked hard to meet his responsibilities and have a little left over to play.

During his younger years he looked forward to the annual hunting trips with family and friends. He also enjoyed fishing and camping, cooking on an open fire and usually drinking some beer,  he loved the outdoors. As well as planting and growing things, Joe loved traveling and vacationing; such as trips to Las Vegas to watch live boxing or the NFR (National Finals Rodeo) events. But above all was his love for his family. Nothing made him happier than having his loved ones around. Sharing stories and memories or simply watching his children interacting with one another, they were his greatest joy.

Joe was preceded in death by his long-time companion, Debby Dilworth, his parents Sacarias and Paula Rodriguez, his sister Josephine Flores and his brother Ruben Rodriguez. He is survived by his beloved children Christine Rodriguez, Jessica Viola Rodriguez and fiancée Pete Akes, and Joe Rodriguez and fiancée Camille Ketron. As well as Dusty Dilworth Murphy and husband Tim, and his grandsons Jackson and Noah Rodriguez; Cayson and Justin Murphy and granddaughter Daley Murphy.   Great grandchildren: Ryah and Oliver.  He also leaves behind his loving siblings; Andres and wife Pauline Rodriguez, Linda and husband Antonio “Tony” Oliva, Gilberto Rodriguez, Enrique and wife Julia Rodriguez and Rosa Rodriguez, and many nieces and nephews, who love and respect him. And last, but not least, his best friend's Bandit and Jenni Dilworth-Rodriguez. He will be greatly missed.

Visitation will take place on Sunday, August 7, 2022, from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm, at Combest Memorial Chapel, located at 2210 Broadway Ave., Lubbock, Texas.  Followed by a Celebration of Life Service on Monday, August 8, 2022, at 10:00 am, at Combest Memorial Chapel, with interment following, at Peaceful Gardens Memorial Park.