SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 422
In Memory
of
Joe A. Rodriguez
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.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate