Cover photo for Roy C Rodriguez's Obituary
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Roy C Rodriguez

April 24, 1964 — March 12, 2017

Roy C Rodriguez

Fearless and passionate—with a light and loving heart—our beloved husband, brother, father, grandfather and friend, Roy Rodriguez, passed away suddenly on Sunday, March 12, 2017. Wise beyond his years, Roy was 52 at the time of his death.

Born in Bryan on April 24, 1964, Roy was the son of Manuel “Meme” Rodriguez Sr. (now deceased) and Ramona Rodriguez Torres; his father owned a trucking business while his mother tended their home and family. While he was the fourth child in their family, Roy’s five siblings all survive him: Manuel Rodriguez Jr. (wife Theresa, of Bryan), Caroline “Mami” Barajas (husband Edward, of Bryan), Sally Velasco (husband Eddie, of College Station), Cindy Alaniz (husband Joe, of College Station) and Janie Rodriguez Ballard (husband David, of Bryan). After losing his father at age nine, Roy decided to take life on and began working at a young age, helping to provide for his family.

While still a teenager at Bryan High School, Roy met Diane Velasco (a student at A&M Consolidated High School) at a roller rink. Although they were from rival schools, nothing could keep them apart. They were high school sweethearts when Roy graduated in 1982, and after they both turned 19 the couple were married on August 19, 1983. Indeed, Roy and Diane were united in marriage for 33 years and eventually became the parents of four children: Roy “Popi” Rodriguez Jr. (wife Amy, of Bryan), Ray Rodriguez (wife Carmen, of Bryan), Raini Rodriguez—her daddy’s favorite little girl—and youngest son Rico Rodriguez (both of Bryan). Additionally, Roy’s faithful companion (and equally important family member) was his dog, Baby.

To make ends meet, Roy attended Universal Technical Institute of Houston where he received training in air conditioning and refrigeration, while traveling back and forth between Houston and Bryan, he ended up at a tire store eventually finding his true work calling, tires or "black gold" as he called it. For more than 30 years, Roy owned and operated Rodriguez Tire Service in Bryan (with its trademark red, white and blue buildings, on Highway 21, near San Jacinto Lane and his newest Rodriguez Tire Center on Sims Ave in Bryan). While he was glad to do anything he needed to provide for his family—who were Roy’s first love—his passion in life was old school cars. Roy was the proud owner of the first lowrider in town: a 1977 Oldsmobile Cutlass Brougham, with a 27 multi-color custom paint job! A pioneer in bringing car culture to the Brazos Valley, Roy also served as the founder and president of La Compania Car Club of Bryan. Indeed, Roy loved everything about cars, from his Cutlass to his lowrider club, and he allowed his commitment to this passion drive his work ethic in the automotive industry, often counseling those who sought his advice: “Take care of your business now, and your business will take care of you later.” In truth, Roy knew the value of investing time and effort in the future since decisions determine destiny.

Thankfully, in addition to his enterprising nature and his industrious attitude, Roy also knew how to have fun. Humorous and fearless, he loved to get others to laugh along with him as he shared stories with those who meant the most to him, and while he was wise, he was also willing to risks to learn as much as he could, he would often be heard saying "A man needs to know a little bit of everything." He finally got his first tattoo at age 47—portraits on his arm, of all his children, his wife, grandchildren and his parents. A true family man. Roy also made it a priority to thank God for the good things he had in life, ensuring that his children appreciated Him, as well. In essence, Roy laughed and loved his way through life, making the most of each moment he was given.


Missing him most now are his precious family members: his sweetheart Diane and their four children and two daughters-in-law, as well as his grandchildren: Alesia Orta, Myra Rodriguez, twins Olivia Rae and Zoe Grace Rodriguez, Aden Sandoval, Raegan Alexi Rodriguez, Ray “Baby Ray” Rodriguez Jr., Glori “GG” Sandoval, Roy Amos Rodriguez III and Bella Katalina Rodriguez. Beloved survivors also include Roy’s mother, Ramona Torres and step-father, Rosalio Torres (of Bryan), his brothers-in-law Eddie Velasco (wife Sally) and Gary Velasco—both of Bryan—and Martin Elias (of Houston). His mother-in-law, Jesusita “Susie” Velasco (of Bryan) also misses him dearly, in addition to a host of family and friends. Roy was preceded in death by his father, Manuel Rodriguez Sr., his father-in-law, Ruben Edward Velasco and sister-in-law Cynthia “Cindy” Elias.

Join with us in remembering Roy Rodriguez, beginning with Visitation from 6-8pm on Friday, March 17th at Hillier Funeral Home in College Station. Roy’s Life Celebration will then be held at 2pm on Saturday, March 18th in the same location.

Share your stories of Roy at www.hillierfuneralhome.com.










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