Jose "Pancha" Willie Rodriguez

Jose Willie Rodriguez (80), of Alpine, Texas passed away after a brief battle with cancer on Tuesday, December 26, 2023, with his family by his side.

Jose, affectionately known by many as “Pancha,” was born on 02/10/1943 in Alpine, Texas to Charles and Clara (Gallego) Rodriguez. A lifelong Alpine resident, he operated several successful businesses and was a talented chef. This combination of being self-employed and cooking for others gave him the opportunity to bring people together and also to work with his family and teach his children a skill and a hard work ethic.

Jose is survived by his wife of 59 years, Marlene, and his children Dina Jo Baeza and her husband Omar, Sarah Jo Baeza and her husband Julian, Willie Joe and his wife Janie, Marco Joe and his wife Carmen, and Jacob Joe and his wife Amanda.

He enjoyed being Grandpa to Joseph Agustin Rodriguez, Kamille Lisette Baeza, Ellene Loralia Rodriguez, Shyla Giselle Hernandez, Allanah Cerise Galindo, Matias Omar Baeza, Josiah Atticus Rodriguez, Aiden Silas, and Lukas Elias Rodriguez. He recently had the joy of becoming a Great Grandpa to Alessia Mae Hernandez. He is also survived by his brother Roberto and sisters Celia Ramon and Hortencia Rodriguez.

He was preceded in death by his parents Charlie and Clara, siblings Celia (la Negra) Rodriguez, Charlie (Sonny), Jaime, Ofelia Ward, Manuel, Chano, Velia, and Ruben.

Jose had a passion for life. He enjoyed staying fit, especially through swimming. He liked to stay busy, working part-time right up until his illness. He loved to take in the nature around him, spontaneously taking his family mountain climbing or on a motorcycle ride. He loved to present beautifully prepared meals for clients, but especially for the people he loved. His real joy came from music, singing, dancing, and playing music. He was the life of the party. His family’s fondest memories of him usually revolved around music. He would light up at the sight of seeing them all gathered together to sing and dance.

In the months before his death, Jose was learning about many Bible promises from his wife, children, and grandchildren. This brought him great comfort and hope. He passed away at peace.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, January 20, 2023 at 2:00 pm at Alpine Memorial Funeral Home Memorial Chapel at 209 W. Sul Ross Avenue in Alpine, Texas.