TITLE: In memory of Joe A. Rodriguez.

SUMMARY: In memory of Joe A. Rodriguez.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas honors and commemorates the life of Joe A. Rodriguez, a beloved resident of Brownsville, who died at the age of 85; and WHEREAS, A native of Edinburg, Joe "Coach" Rodriguez was born on March 19, 1936; he developed a love of sports at a young age, and he excelled in baseball as a first baseman at Edinburg High School; and WHEREAS, Joe continued to play baseball for Pan American College and the Joe Davis Ginners, a semiprofessional league; he graduated at the age of 20 and soon married his college sweetheart, Emma Leal; they moved to Brownsville, where he remained the rest of his life; he and Emma, who preceded him in death, raised four children and were blessed with seven grandchildren; and WHEREAS, Coach Joe began a long and fulfilling career in public education by serving as a physical education coach at Cummings Junior High School; he later coached at Brownsville High School, where he led baseball teams to appearances at state semifinals and finals; after becoming a head football coach, he was named South Texas Coach of the Year for baseball, basketball, and football; he went on to serve for 27 years as the athletic director for the Brownsville Independent School District, and under his leadership, the district earned seven South Texas Athletic Program of the Year awards; and WHEREAS, An esteemed leader in public education, Coach Rodriguez served as a Brownsville Independent School District trustee for 15 years; he was a vice president of the National Hispanic Caucus of School Board Members, and he was honored for his leadership as a Hispanic educator by United States Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H. W. Bush and by Mexican President Gustavo Diaz Ordaz; and WHEREAS, Coach Joe was admired by his loved ones for his incomparable fearlessness and his zest for life; he was a devoted family man and a mentor and cherished friend to many, and he leaves behind a proud educational legacy that will continue to benefit the Brownsville community long into the future; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 87th Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved family of Joe A. Rodriguez; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for his family as an expression of deepest sympathy from the Texas Senate and that when the Senate adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Coach Joe Rodriguez. Lucio President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on May 17, 2021, by a rising vote.