Rodney Harris Tompkins

Born 19 February 1951 in Freeport, Texas, Rodney was a patriotic, devoted, United States Marine, son, husband, father, “Pops”, uncle and friend.

He is preceded in death by his parents Joe & Vauda Tompkins, daughter Crystal Hester Leeder and sister Glenda Parks.

He is survived by son and daughter-in-law John & Mandy Hester, daughter Stacey Tompkins Haynes, sister Sheryl King, sister and brother-in-law Marla & (Cal) Vaughn Calvin, grandchildren (who called him Pops) Taylor, Riley and Grant, nieces and husbands Leslee & Garrett Walker and Abby & Mark Skowron, nephew Brad Calvin, many cousins including Andy Nowak and a host of friends.

A special thank you to his lifelong friends Archie Hart, Michael Hollis and Big John Bitting for always being there for him. You all shared many good times through the years.

Rodney grew up in Galveston, Texas where he graduated from Ball High School. He hung around the radio station KILE so much during high school they finally let him DJ on air at the seawall of the Galvez Hotel.

After his time in the Marines, he took a job as a welder at Todd Shipyard in Galveston, but he got tired of being hot and dirty so went to work as a car salesman in various dealerships in the Houston, Humble and Conroe areas. During his lifetime, he both owned and co-owned several car lots. He later owned a successful bail bonds business.

He had a passion for traveling, hunting, team roping, golf, fishing, scuba diving, high diving, water skiing, anything in or on the water he loved. He loved all kinds of music, especially anything by Willie Nelson.

You knew it was Sunday morning when he played “Whiskey River” at full volume.

In retirement, Rodney became a boat captain where he was often in demand as a popular Galveston fishing guide. His open and friendly personality attracted people, so he never met a stranger, always making friends wherever he went.

Sweet Rodney, we will miss your big and loving heart!

Celebration of life will be Friday, April 21, 2023, 11:00 A.M. at Brazos Valley Cowboy Church, 7300 East State Hwy 21, Bryan, TX 77808.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Brazos Valley Cowboy Church in honor of Rodney.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ForestParkEast-FHC.com for the Tompkins family.