James "Richard" Rodgers

He was born in Parkersburg West Virginia to J.D. and Marion Rodriguez and grew up in Galena Park, Texas, with his brother and four sisters. He loved playing football for the Yellowjackets, where he played both offense and defense, was known for his speed (his nickname was “Flash”), and even had his picture in a local Houston newspaper. He graduated from Galena Park High School with the proud Class of 1958.

Following high school, he attended Lee Jr. College for a semester before beginning what would become a lifelong journey of hard work and dedication, starting as a lab technician for Butler Chemical Co. in Galena Park.

In 1961, he received his Army draft notice. He served his country honorably for three years, and upon his discharge, returned home to be re-employed by Butler Chemical Co., later continuing his lab technician career with Phosphate Chemical Co. along the ship channel in Deer Park.

Life changed beautifully when he and his friends, David Clark and Jimmy Williams, moved into an apartment together on the Southwest Freeway. It was there that he met the love of his life, Liz, who had recently moved to Houston from Omaha, Nebraska. The two shared a sweet six-month courtship and were wed on November 13, 1965. Together, they bought a home in Pasadena, where they would start a family. Kim was born in 1967 and Leah in 1969.

Always looking to provide a bright future for his family, he spotted an ad in the Houston Post one morning for a free computer programmer training class sponsored by National Cash Register—remarking at the time that "free was all we could afford." He took the aptitude test, passed, and spent eight weeks studying diligently at night. His hard work paid off, and NCR hired him as a computer programmer, launching a successful new career path in data processing, software development and computer hardware sales.

In 1977, NCR offered him a sales position with a territory in Austin, and the family moved to Round Rock. A few years later, he and two friends from NCR formed a company specializing in credit union software for the construction industry. NCR bought the marketing rights to the software, so he went back to work for NCR installing the credit union software at customer sites and training other NCR sales personnel.

In 1985, he accepted a sales position with Telex Computer Products selling IBM mainframe compatible printers, controllers and terminals. These products basically sold themselves, and once the fax machine became popular, he didn’t even have to go pick up the orders! This left a lot of time to take up golf, where he regularly golfed with customers and friends.

In October 1999, with both daughters graduated from Texas A&M University, Liz and Richard moved to Georgetown to be closer to Georgetown Country Club. He spent the next two years playing as much golf as possible, and in 2001 took a job with Georgetown Independent School District as a bus driver. Liz also worked for GISD as an aid for students with special needs. This gave them flexibility to still play golf and spend time with their cherished dogs. Richard retired from GISD after 15 years and Liz after 12 years.

Both Richard and Liz loved spending time with family, friends, and their beloved dogs. In their 59 years of marriage, they never were without at least one fur baby, and at one time had four dogs. They loved taking their dogs for golf cart rides around the neighborhood and visiting with neighbors.

Richard is preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Liz, parents J.D. Rodriguez and Marion Hencerling, sisters Juanita Bush, Ramona Daigle, Faye Ciscel, Jeanette Rodriguez, brother Raymond Rodriguez, nephew Darrell Daigle and niece Lisa Devore.

He is survived by his children, Kym Rodgers (Ryan West) and Leah Rodgers (Randy Lawton), sister-in-law, Jeanette Rodriguez, nieces Celeste Noble (JR), Angie Forrest, Stephanie Brown (Mack), nephews Bob Bush (Farrah), Donnie Daigle (Delores), Drew Daigle (Melanie), as well as many great-nieces and great-nephews.

The family would like to thank the staff and caregivers from Visiting Angels. Maria Robertson, Debbie Nelson and Maria Barrera became like family, and their care allowed Richard to remain in his home of 25+ years, surrounded by wonderful friends and neighbors.

Please check back for more information regarding a memorial service, as the date is not yet finalized.