Rev. Eli Joel Rodriguez, Sr.'s Obituary
Eli Joel Rodriguez August 31, 1932 – July 13, 2016, resident of Dallas, Texas. After a courageous battle with a number of ailments, Eli passed away peacefully in his home in Dallas, with his family and his friends at his side. Eli was born in Bryan, Texas, but was raised in San Antonio’s south side. He was one of three sons born to the late Jose and Aseneth Garcia Rodriguez, and was the beloved husband of Eve Rodriguez for over 52 years. Eli will be forever remembered by his loving wife, Eve Gomez Rodriguez; Shelly Palos; Daughter, Eli J. Rodriguez, Jr.; Son, Rich Hill; Son, Edgar Jon; Son, and his wife Dorothy, E J Rodriguez; Son, Ariel Rodriguez; Granddaughter, Aiden Rodriguez; Grandson, Daniel Palos; Grandson and his wife Amanda; Gabriel Palos; Grandson and his wife Katie, Victoria Palos Arriaga; Granddaughter, and her husband Eric; Ret. Col. Joe A. Rodriguez; Brother and his wife Emily; Noah Rodriguez, Brother and many nieces and nephews. After serving with the U.S. Navy during World War II, Eli went on to earn an AA from St. Phillips, BS from Trinity University and two Masters degrees in Education. He was appointed by President George W. Bush to the U.S. Department of Education in the Office of the Secretary for Human Resources and Administration, Washington, DC. He also served as Director of Community Relations of Dallas Metro Care Special Services, Project Coordinator, U. S. Office of Student Financial Services, Region VI, Dallas. But it was in the service of the Lord, his first love, and the Laity Ministry, where he excelled and left his most lasting mark. During his long and faith-filled work for Christ, Eli went on to become the President of Baptist Men at Primera Iglesia Bautista, San Antonio, Texas; Deacon, Primera Iglesia Bautista, Dallas, Texas; President Christian Education Commission, Mexican Baptist Convention of Texas; President of Hispanic Baptist Men; member of the Board of Directors of the Hispanic Baptist Theological Seminary and the Baptist Children’s Home in San Antonio, Texas; Public Relation Director of the Mexican Baptist Convention of Texas; Member of the Public Relations Committee for the Baptist General Convention of Texas; Special Assistant to the President of the Hispanic Baptist Men of Texas in four Statewide projects of special significance to Hispanic Baptists in Texas, The Convocation of the Laity, The Zaragoza Project, The Menard Encampment Project, and the Baptist Men Lay-Renewal Project in Puerto Rico. Eli was also the founder and State Coordinator of the Hispanic Baptist Convocation of the Laity established in l987. Eli touched the lives of many people with his smile, his trademark enthusiasm and sense of humor and a capacity for love which carried him through his pain and suffering to the end when God embraced His arms around him, and whispered “Come to me”. God takes only the best. Family will receive friends on Thursday, July 21, 2016 from 6:00PM – 8:00PM at Restland Funeral Home. Services will be held Friday, July 22, 2016 at 10:00AM at First Mexican Baptist Church, Dallas, TX. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Restland Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 13005 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, TX 75243.
What’s your fondest memory of Eli?
What’s a lesson you learned from Eli?
Share a story where Eli's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Eli you’ll never forget.
How did Eli make you smile?