Francisco Martinez Rodriguez Jr.

Francisco proudly enlisted in the Army to serve his country, and he remained deeply patriotic throughout his life.

In 2004, Francisco retired after 37 years of dedicated service as a teacher with Brownsville Independent School District (BISD). His passion for education and dedication to his students earned him the Mrs. Baird’s Grains of Knowledge Award, recognizing his positive impact on countless young lives. After retirement, his dedication to learning and community continued for six years as a C.A.R.E. Partner volunteer at Ortiz Elementary.

Francisco found joy in nature, especially while fishing and exploring the outdoors. Music and dancing brought him happiness, and he cherished laughter-filled moments of storytelling with family and friends.

He was a member of the Elks Lodge and a member of the BARSEA community.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Francisco and Concepcion Rodriguez; his sisters, Delma Rykhus and Petra Rojas.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Griselda Shears Rodriguez; his son, Francisco Roberto Rodriguez, and his daughter-in-law, Amie Gahan; as well as his beloved sisters: Graciela Lopez, Alicia (Joe Bob) Moody, Aurora Chavez (+Robert), Telma (Jaime) Verdugo, and Carmen (Trinidad) Escalante, and Angelica (Joe) Arguijo. He also leaves behind many cherished nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

A visitation for Francisco will be held Tuesday, February 18, 2025 from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM with a rosary at 7:00 PM in Chapel of Peace at Funeraria Del Angel Buena Vista, 125 Mcdavitt Blvd, Brownsville, TX 78521. A mass will be held Wednesday, February 19, 2025 at 10:00 AM at Our Lady of Guadalupe, 1200 Lincoln St, Brownsville, Texas 78521. Followed by a burial at 11:00 AM at Buena Vista Burial Park, 5 Mcdavitt Blvd, Brownsville, Texas 78521.

Serving as pallbearers are: LeeRoy Shears, Cipriano Shears Jr., Agustin Rios, Jay Guerrero, Paul Michael Chavez, and Michael Olivo.

Francisco’s legacy of kindness and dedication to family and community will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.