Beloved husband, father, grandfather, and best friend, Rafael Rodriguez Sr. went home to be with the Father on Sunday, August 30, 2020 at the age of 67. A man who dedicated his life to his lovely family and his faithful God. His honesty, love, and compassion has left a permanent mark in our hearts. He will truly be missed. “We love you Rafael.” Rafael lived a wonderful life and was loved abundantly. His family is the essence and center of his life. Rafael will forever be remembered by his beautiful smile, gentle eyes, and caring heart. He had a long-lasting relationship with God and was extremely blessed. Rafael was a courageous, brave, and loyal man who had a calling from God to be a shepherd of many and it was visible. Many people were deeply touched by his words, guidance, and advice. He stood as a pillar of faith in our congregation in which he supported many ministries and saw them flourish. As a servant of the Lord, he acted as a Sunday school teacher, preacher, deacon, delegate, board member, and a faithful member for 30 years at Maranatha Worship Center. Rafael leaves behind the love of his life, his wife, Oralia Rodriguez. His beautiful children, Julie (Mario) Gaucin, Mario (Zulem) Rodriguez, Felix (Lealani) Rodriguez, Rafael Jr. (Griselda) Rodriguez, Vida Rodriguez, and Brenda Rodriguez. The light of his eyes and biggest treasure, his grandchildren: Mario Jr., Camron Joshua, Faith Alexandra, Cedric, Hassiel, Vaniah Corrie, Mario Gregorio Jr., Alana Victoria, Sage Alec, Aryana Vida, Viviana Isabel, and Rowena Grace; his adored sister-in-law and her family Manuel, Sonia, and Alexis Gonzalez; his beloved Tio. Gabriel Muniz; two sisters, Patricia, Rosa Guadalupe; and four brothers Sergio Lorenzo, Ricardo, Gregorio, and Moises Rodriguez Muniz. Visitation will be held on Friday, September 11, 2020 from 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm at Thomae-Garza Funeral Home in San Benito, TX. Due to current restrictions, this establishment will follow the 25% occupancy limit and all persons shall institute social distancing of a minimum space of 6 feet apart. All individuals must wear face coverings or masks. (May include bandanas or sewn or cloth face coverings). The funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2020 at 10:00 am at Maranatha Worship Center in Port Isabel, TX. Interment will follow at the Port Isabel Cemetery. Serving as the honorary pall bearers are: Mario Gregorio Rodriguez Jr. and Sage Alec Rodriguez. Serving as pall bearers are: Mario Rodriguez, Felix Rodriguez, Rafael Rodriguez Jr., Camron Rodriguez, Mario Gaucin, Mario Gaucin Jr., Manuel Ernesto Gonzalez, and Omar Morales. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Maranatha Worship Center Church, PO BOX 749, Port Isabel, Texas 78578. You may sign the online guestbook, light a remembrance candle, or send words of comfort to the family of Rafael Rodriguez Sr. at www.thomaegarza.com. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the care of Thomae-Garza Funeral Home and Crematory, 395 S. Sam Houston, San Benito, Texas, (956) 399-1331.