Rod Ambrose

Roderick Branham Ambrose, 78, passed away peacefully on March 9, 2025 after a brief yet courageous battle with metastatic pancreatic cancer. He was surrounded by his loving family and the devoted priests of his church in his final moments.

Born in Baltimore, MD and raised in Houston, Texas, Rod was the eldest of five children and the only son. From a young age, he embraced the role of protector and leader for his sisters, instilling in him the deep sense of responsibility and kindness that would define his life. While the house he grew up in was small, it was full of life, love, laughter, and music.

At 19, he met the love of his life, Effie, on a blind date in Houston - and from that moment, their love story began. They were married for 56 years, raising three wonderful children—Garick, Andy, and Melanie—who were the pride and joy of his life.

Rod pursued a degree in Economics at the University of St. Thomas before embarking on a successful career in the freight and transportation industry, where he thrived in sales and management. Important to note, Rod paid his way through school working full time while raising his three children. His work ethic and purpose extended throughout his entire working life.

Yet, beyond his professional achievements, he was most passionate about the roles he played outside the office - husband, father, uncle, grandfather, mentor, coach, and motivator.

He was a dedicated soccer coach for all three of his children, sharing his love of the game and teaching invaluable lessons of teamwork, perseverance, and sportsmanship. Later in life, he resumed his lifelong passion for archery, not only competing in Senior Olympic competitions—where he consistently placed in the top five—but also coaching both youth and adults in the sport he loved.

Never one to slow down, at the age of 74, Rod embarked on a new career as a substitute teacher for high school and middle school students. He quickly became known as “The Great Motivator,” inspiring countless students with his wisdom, encouragement, and unwavering belief in their potential.

A man of deep faith, he was a devoted member of the Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church in Austin, Texas, where he found comfort, community, and spiritual strength.

Beyond his many accomplishments, Rod had an enduring love for music, photography and cinema, passions that he passed on to his children and grandchildren. His ability to capture life’s fleeting moments and his appreciation for storytelling were testaments to the way he lived—with curiosity, creativity, and a deep reverence for life’s beauty.

He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Gloria and C.W., and his sisters, Ruthie and Barbara. He leaves behind his cherished wife, Effie, his children, Garick (Lindsey), Andy (Ellen), and Melanie, his grandchildren Rachel, Cameron, Avery, Alec and Raegan, his sisters, Cathy and Lizzie, all of his beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and many dear friends and students whose lives he touched.

A funeral service will be held at Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church on March 17, 2025 at 11:00am. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the church in his honor. Following the service, there will be fellowship and lunch following the service (Makaria).

On March 18, 2025, there will be a burial service at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery in Houston, TX at 2:00pm.

Though his time with us was not nearly long enough, the impact that Rod had on those who knew him was immeasurable. His kindness, wisdom, and love will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of having him in their life.

May his memory be eternal.