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William Rodriguez Obituary
Former Chief of Police William E. Rodriguez passed away on Tuesday at his home surrounded by his loving family after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Born in El Paso in 1936, he entered public service early on in his career, devoting most of his career to law enforcement. The Chief was an accomplished man, receiving a bachelor's degree in accounting from UTEP in 1969. From 1977 to 1986, he served as El Paso Police Chief, and as Chief of Police for the University of Texas, El Paso from 1989-1999. He served on the Board of the El Paso Officers Association, the Police and Fire Dept. Pension Board and on the Athletics Council at UTEP as well as serving on numerous other boards. Bill was a loving husband, a devoted father and grandfather and a concerned friend to all. He is survived by his wife Alice, his children Nick Rodriguez, Desiree Ainsa, Roxanne Rodriguez and Monique Rodriguez and son-in-law Richard Ainsa and seven grandchildren as well as his siblings Johnny Rodriguez, David Rodriguez, Joanne Silva and Peggy Raymond. He is preceded in death by his father Jesus Rodriguez, his mother Grace Lockwood and sister Terry Reynolds. Visitation will be held Sunday, November 9, 2008 from 5 P.M. to 9 P.M. at Martin Funeral Home Central with the Vigil at 7 P.M. Mass will be held Monday, November 10, 2008 at 10 A.M. at St. Patrick Cathedral. Interment at Ft. Bliss National Cemetery. Honorary Pallbearers: Richard Ainsa, Derek Ainsa, David Rodriguez, Johnny Rodriguez, Sergio Enriquez, Luis Barba, Eddied Agan, Henry Chacon, John Lanahan. Very special and heartfelt thanks to Dr. Juan Herrada whose countless selfless acts of kindness throughout this trying journey will never be forgotten. Also thanks to Dr. David Taber and Melissa Bobadilla whose care to Bill's health was without peer and always appreciated. Thanks to Jutta from the Green House for all her support and assistance in our time of need. And Hospice-thank you for your compassion.
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Memories and Condolences
for William Rodriguez
David CARRASCO
July 6, 2025
4/21/1978 You pinned my badge #872 making me a Police Officer for the city of El Paso. It was the proudest day of my life. Thank you sir. You were an inspiration to all the members of the Police department.
God be with you and your family sir. You will be missed.
November 9, 2012
Uncle Billy, you were always kind to me...thank you! Love, Joey
Cheryl Jenkins
November 8, 2012
You were an inspiration to me my whole life and I miss you more than I can say.
TEXAS ONCOLOGY DR JUAN HERRADA AND STAFF
November 13, 2008
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Amanda Ramirez
November 12, 2008
Roxanne,
My condolences in the loss of your father. May God bless you and your family and give you the strength through this difficult time. Take care, from a friend from high school.
Eddie Villanueva
November 12, 2008
Desiree and Roxanne
My condolences in the loss of your father. May God bless you and your family and give you strength through this difficult time. Take care of your mom. This is an old friend from your high school golf days at Eastwood. God Bless you both.
Joe Corson
November 12, 2008
To Bill's family, please accept our condolences. Bill was a great guy, very sharp. We worked together at WSMR, then White Sands Proving Ground. May he rest in peace with our Lord, Jesus Christ.
Joe & Mary Lou Corson
Marie McGuire (Wasicki)
November 11, 2008
Nick,
Please accept my most sincere condolences on the passing of your Father. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Mary Lou Martinez
November 11, 2008
Mrs. Rodriguez:
My prayers are with you and your family in this sad time. He was truly a remarkable man who never complained about anything. May God be with you.
Mary Lou Martinez
Mary Lou Martinez
November 11, 2008
Mrs. Rodriguez:
My prayers are with you and your family in this sad time. He was truly a remarkable person who never complained about anything. May God be with you.
Mary Lou Martinez
Alma Pacheco
November 11, 2008
Alicia & Family,
I'm Tio Sabino & Tia Bertha Valdez's niece Alma Pacheco, daughter of Margie Rodriguez. I was saddened to find out Bill passed on. He rests well now in God's loving hands. God Bless & be with you and your family during this trying time.
Lorie Reyes
November 11, 2008
Desiree,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I am so saddened by your loss.
Nancy Spencer
November 11, 2008
During my employment with P.D., I was fortunate to be part of his staff and meet former Chief Bill Rodriguez. I will always remember him as a very professional and polite individual who treated everyone with respect. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends. God Bless You All.
Ruben Rosales
November 11, 2008
William:
Vaya con Dios mi gran amigo William. I will never forget your friendship to me when I was the City Engineer in El Paso you were one of the few true friends. My prayers for your eternal rest and may God give your family the fortitude to forego this tragedy.
Ruben Rosales
November 11, 2008
William:
Vaya con Dios mi gran amigo William. I will never forget your friendship to me when I was the City Engineer in El Paso you were one of the few true friends. My prayers for your eternal rest and may God give your family the fortitude to forego this tragedy.
Alice Vidal
November 10, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Claudio & Estela Flores
November 10, 2008
Alicia and Monique, We are saddened to hear of your loss. We respected Bill a lot and thought he was a great man. He will not ever be forgotten. With Love to your family, we remain, Claudio and Estela Flores
bea
November 10, 2008
Be Still
Be still like the grass on a melancholy summer day
Be still like desert shrub.
Be calm and you will hear your loved one speak, in the stillness, in the calm, their love resounds.
If you are still this promise I make, you will hear the voice of your loved one helping you along your way.
Robert Mitchell
November 10, 2008
To Nick and the Rodriguez Family:
The Mitchell family is very saddened by your loss and you are in our prayers.
Take Care: Bob and Karen Mitchell
Patti Kirk
November 10, 2008
To My El Paso Family: I always marveled at what my "Uncle Billy" accomplished in his well lived life.
I always let people know how proud I am to be a part of this great family.
I also believe he was graced with many good years during the ordeal of his illness because he was such a good person. Without a doubt, he is at peace now.
Love to you all, Patti
Danny Montes
November 10, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Bill was a wonderful man, husband, father and friend,
Bruce Smith and Family
November 10, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Gus Rallis
November 10, 2008
Alice, I remember you and Bill vividly when you were a clerk in the prosecutor's office, and I wondered why this young, handsome rookie police officer kept hanging around! Who knew?! He was a great guy, highly intelligent, and had a great career. I will remember you both the rest of my life. Gus Rallis
Amber Jeffords (Kirk)
November 10, 2008
We are thinking about you and praying for you all everyday. Uncle Billy was a great soul who loved all without exception.
God Bless
Amber Jeffords (Terry's granddaughter)
Ingrid Flores
November 9, 2008
Dear Rodriguez Family,
I was very sad to hear of Bill's passing, and I truly feel your loss. I know what a wonderful and accomplished father and grandfather he was. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. May our Dear Lord bless all of you and keep Bill in His shelter and peace.
Patricia (Trancoso) Ward
November 9, 2008
Alice,
My prayers have been with you and Bill since he was first diagnosed. My prayers are now that God will bless with the peace that comes in the knowing that Bill is no longer suffering. He and "the Girls" are probably having a great party while waiting for the rest of us.
Love always,
Armando Sanchez
November 9, 2008
Thank you Chief Rodriquez for paving the way for Hispanics in El Paso's Police and Fire Departments. You made our struggle a little easier. You served well and proud and Hispanics and El Paso are very grateful of your service. To the Rodriquez family our prayers and thoughts are with you during this difficult time. Your family and El Paso lost a great man, friend and leader. Vaya con Dios Chief and rest in Peace, El Paso is a better place because of you.
Joey (Terry's daughter) and family
November 9, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Uncle Billy will be missed.
Love,
Gary Finnell
November 9, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
I still have my Police ID card signed by this Great Man, it will mean alot to me in the years to come.
Gary Finnell
Sergeant, El Paso Police Dept. (Ret.)
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