Anthony Rodrigue

Anthony Rodrigue
Gray - Anthony Joseph "Rod" Rodrigue passed away peacefully Tuesday morning at his home in Gray, LA. He was a native of Chackbay, LA and a resident of Houma and Gray. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend a celebration of his life with a visitation on Saturday, April 10th from 8 am to 11 am at Samart Funeral Home of Houma, 4511 West Park Ave. in Gray, La. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated immediately following the visitation at St. Bridget Catholic Church, 100 LA - 311, Schriever, LA. Interment to follow in church cemetery.
Rod was survived by his loving wife and guardian angel of 25 years, Beulah Giroir Rodrigue; sons, Francis and wife, Linda; Michael and wife, Wendy; and A.J. Rodrigue; daughter, Therese Scott and husband, Ronnie; stepdaughters, Annette Hodges and husband, Rusty; Michelle Henry and husband, Mark; his wife, Beulah's children, Bill King and wife, Kim; Stephanie Hodgin and husband, Hank; Lenus King and wife, Sharon; sister, Sister Denis Rodrigue; brothers, Jean Denis Rodrigue and Peter Steve Rodrigue; numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Denis Rodrigue and Elma Marse Rodrigue; 5 brothers; 3 sisters; granddaughter, Pamela Rodrigue; and daughter-in-law, Susan Rodrigue.
Rod was the 10th of 12 children born to Denis and Elma Rodrigue in Chackbay, LA on June 15, 1931. He attended Thibodaux High School, St. Joseph Seminary, Notre Dame Seminary, and Xavier University where he received his degree in History. After college, he joined the U.S. Air Force, where he was stationed in Alexandria, LA and Victoria, TX. After his time in the service, he moved his small, young family to Terrebonne Parish, LA and began his career working as a reporter and photographer for the local newspaper, The Houma Star. Once he became established in the area, he began working for The Houma Courier as a reporter and photographer where he received many awards for his work. After leaving The Houma Courier, he became the manager of a local record store, Cross Record Shop. Simultaneously, he was hosting an early morning Cajun French music program on a local radio station, KCIL. He also co-owned R & R Studios, a recording studio located in downtown Houma, and recorded many local artists of all genres. Once the record store was closed, he began working for KHOM, where he continued doing his radio program, and also served as their advertising executive for many years. Upon retiring from radio, he opened Rod's Superstore on Barrow Street, where he established a reputation for quality appliances and personal hometown customer service. His ability to speak Cajun French, in addition to his Cajun French radio program in the mornings, made him very popular with his customers. The store was eventually turned over to his son, Mike Rodrigue, who still owns and operates it today.
At 64 years old, he developed cirrhosis of the liver, which required a transplant. A new liver was obtained at the VA Hospital in Nashville, TN, and the surgery was performed at Vanderbilt Medical Center. Rod has been hailed as one of the longest living transplant recipients ever at the VA. He lived a wonderful 25 years with his new liver and a new wife, Beulah, whom he married after his recovery. They spent 25 wonderful years together enjoying fishing, traveling, casinos, and just being at home together.
Being very proud of his heritage, he was active in promoting Cajun-French culture and music. He toured in Quebec, Canada and Paris, France as an ambassador from Louisiana, representing CODOFIL ( Council for the Development of French in Louisiana).
As an active member in his church parish of St. Bridget, he was a devoted Catholic, Eucharistic Minister, Lector, Commentor, and a member of his parish Pastoral Council. He enjoyed people and found pleasure in being able to serve them.
Rod held various offices in the Houma Elks Lodge, including, Exalted Ruler throughout his tenure. He was very active in his lodge and assisted in efforts to help the community by bringing in disaster groups to rebuild homes that were damaged in Hurricanes, Katrina and Rita.
Rod was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle. He had a great love for life and blessed many in his community with his talents. He never met a stranger. He adored his family and was proud of each and every one of them.
The family would like to thank Dr. Mohammad Nawaz, Dr. Justin Toups, and Dr. Rob Alexander, along with the wonderful staff and nurses at Notre Dame Hospice for their caring assistance to our family. A very special thanks to Dr. Joseph Awad at Vanderbilt Medical Center, who made the last 25 years of his life possible.
Memorials in Rod's honor, can be sent to St. Bridget Catholic Church Building Fund or to the charity of your choice.
Samart Funeral Home, West Park is in charge of the arrangements.