Willie G. Rodriguez

Willie Rodriguez was born in Hays County, Texas on February 10, 1938. He was the fourth child and second son of Pablo and Maria Rodriguez.

In his earlier years, Willie started working at the age of 10 shining shoes, throwing papers, and later played saxophone in a big horn band "Nash Hernandez". He met and fell in love with Enemencia Urtado in high school and in 1955 they were married and raised their family, never to spend a day apart. Willie served in the Reserves for the U.S. Marine Corp., and afterwards worked for Coca-Cola for 25 years. During this time, he opened Austin Concessions, providing food concession services for the University of Texas at Darrell K. Royal Texas Memorial Stadium and the UFCU Disch Falk Field, as well as for City of Austin Municipal Golf Course, Austin Independent School District, and Zilker Park. In the 1980s, Willie had the foresight to invest in East Austin real estate, long before it was the growing and thriving community it is today. In 2008, Willie built the Onion Creek Ballroom, where his family and staff offer beautiful ballrooms for weddings, quinceaneras, and special events. Willie also provided long-term employment for his family, employees, and the community for over 55 years. Willie was an active member of St. Ignatius Martyr Catholic Church. He also enjoyed traveling and truly loved his family and life. His willingness to invest in the future and his hard work ethic are examples that he leaves behind for his children, grandchildren, and everyone he touched to learn from.

Willie was preceded in death by his parents, Pablo and Maria Rodriguez; his brother, Concepcion "Rod" Rodriguez; sister, Feliza R Lewter; and Granddaughter, April Rodriguez.

Willie Rodriguez is survived by - His wife of 60 years, Enemencia Rodriguez; his sister, Janie Baldazo; his sons, Willie Jr. Rodriguez (Eva), Edward Rodriguez, Paul Abel Rodriguez; and daughter, Janet Martinez (Robert); Grandchildren, Jason, James, Anthony, Enemencia, Desirae, Michael, Andres, Marissa, Stephanie and Erika; Great-Grandchildren, RJ, Nico, Lorenzo, Jacob, Aiden, Adrianna, and Eloise; and many nieces and nephews.

Honored pallbearers are Willie Rodriguez, Edward Rodriguez, Paul Abel Rodriguez, Robert Martinez, Andres Martinez, Anthony De Los Santos, Michael Rodriguez, Jason Rodriguez.

On Sunday May 15th 2016 the Rosary will be held at 7:00 p.m., at Weed- Corley-Fish Funeral Home 2620 S. Congress, Austin TX 78704. Mass services will be on Monday May 16th at St. Ignatius Martyr Catholic Church, 126 West Oltorf st. Austin Texas at 2:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Assumption Cemetery. Reception to follow at The Onion Creek Ballroom, 9941 Old Lockhart Hwy.