Jesus Rodriguez

JESUS RODRIGUEZ "The time of my departure is at hand. I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith." -2 Timothy 4:6-7 EDINBURG - Jesus Rodriguez, 86, was called to be with God on Sunday, July 8, 2012. He died peacefully at home. Jesse or Tio Chuy, as he was affectionately known, was born in Santa Rita Ranch, Texas, on December 10, 1925. He moved to Edinburg, Texas, in 1956 and resided there for 56 years with his loving and dedicated wife, Viola Salazar Rodriguez. Jesse was well loved by many in the Rio Grande Valley, first and foremost by his family. He is survived by his wife, Viola S. Rodriguez, and three children, Nora Longoria and her husband, Rudy Longoria, of McAllen; Thelma Cantu and her husband, Jimmy Cantu, of Flower Mound, TX; and Eloy Rodriguez and his wife, Carmen Gaytan Rodriguez, of Edinburg. Grandchildren include Amanda C. Longoria, Rudy Longoria II, Carolina R. Cantu, and Cassandra R. Cantu. Jesus was the eldest of six children and has five surviving brothers and sisters: Onesimo (Aurora) Rodriguez, of Mission, Valentina Rodriguez, Irene (Pime) Lopez, Gerardo (Dolores) Rodriguez, and Maria (Ted) Gonzalez, all of Edinburg. Jesus was preceded in death by his parents, Onesimo and Gerarda Garza Rodriguez. Few were strangers to Jesus. He truly loved his fellow man and conversed with all he would meet. His naturally kind, friendly demeanor quickly endeared him to others in the positions he held at First City Bank and Star Furniture. He always had a positive spirit despite numerous health challenges and was an inspiration to many for his strength and deep faith. Jesus was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Edinburg, and served as a Eucharist minister and choir member for many years. He was a World War II veteran who proudly served his country under General Patton as corporal for the United State Army, 87th Division. He was highly decorated and awarded medals for World War II Victory, Purple Heart, American Campaign, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign, and Good Conduct. After the war, Jesus maintained contact with his fellow veterans and was a member of the American Disabled Veteran, Raul F. Lopez Chapter 95 in McAllen. Jesus was a strong, honest man who loved God and his family and helped his loved ones to establish a foundation of faith. He will be greatly missed, but we will always carry him within our hearts and honor his life by living out his legacy of faith and love. Please join us in celebrating Jesus' life at Memorial Funeral Home in Edinburg today, July 10, 2012, with visitation from five to eight o'clock, with a rosary at seven o'clock in the evening. The funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, July 11, 2012, at ten o'clock in the morning at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Edinburg. Interment will follow at Valley Memorial Gardens in McAllen. Military honors will be conducted by VFW Post 8788 of McAllen. Funeral services are under the direction of Memorial Funeral Home in Edinburg.