H.R. No. 498
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The life of an admired public servant drew to a close
with the passing of Palmhurst mayor Ramiro Jose Rodriguez Jr. on
April 5, 2022, at the age of 68; and
WHEREAS, Born in San Juan on October 16, 1953, to Ramiro and
Elvia Rodriguez, Ramiro Rodriguez Jr. grew up with the
companionship of five sisters, Gloria, Illiana, Eliseo, Mary, and
Carol, and a brother, Frank; he graduated from Peacock Military
Academy in San Antonio and earned his bachelor's degree in biology
from Pan American University; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Rodriguez distinguished himself through his
service to the communities of McAllen, Mission, and Pharr, which
included work for the Pharr city manager's office; he also pursued a
25-year career in pharmaceutical sales for Wyeth Pharmaceuticals,
Inc., during which time he earned top awards from the company as one
of its most successful employees; and
WHEREAS, After retiring from Wyeth, Mr. Rodriguez
successfully ran for the office of mayor of Palmhurst; from 1999
until his passing, he guided the growth of the small town into a
thriving community, and some of his most significant achievements
included overseeing the establishment of the city's first police
department and municipal court and attracting major employers to
Palmhurst, such as Walmart, H-E-B, and Walgreens, which have
greatly added to the quality of life in the area; and
WHEREAS, Along the way, Mr. Rodriguez shared his insight for
four years as Region 12 director of the Texas Municipal League, in
addition to volunteering his time on various other boards and
committees; he was an advocate for small cities, and during the
COVID-19 pandemic, he fought to ensure that they received a fair
allocation of crisis funding; and
WHEREAS, In all his endeavors, Mayor Rodriguez enjoyed the
love and support of his wife of 43 years, Elda Rodriguez, and their
son, Ramiro; he was an avid bowler who competed in the Flamingo and
Mission Valley Classic League for over 30 years, and he also held
membership in the Knights of Columbus, St. Paul's Chapter, and the
Rosicrucian Order; and
WHEREAS, This esteemed Texan has left behind a legacy that
will long resonate in the communities he served, and he will forever
be remembered with deep affection by all who held him close to their
hearts; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Mayor Ramiro Jose
Rodriguez Jr. and extend sincere sympathy to his family, friends,
and colleagues; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of
Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Ramiro Jose
Rodriguez Jr.
Muñoz, Jr.
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 498 was unanimously adopted by a
rising vote of the House on March 16, 2023.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House