Francisco Rodriguez Jr.

FRANKLIN - Pastor Francisco "Frank" Rodriguez Jr., 68, went home to be with the Lord Friday, Aug. 15, 2025.
Born Sept. 23, 1956, in Chicago, Illinois, he was a devoted husband, loving father and beloved community leader, known for his heart of gold and selfless spirit.
He had a B.S. of theology from Bob Jones University, Master of Divinity from Calvary Baptist Theological Seminary and had started his doctorate degree. He founded and pastored Grace Baptist Church for 27 years and still attended when his health allowed. His pastimes were studying the Bible, golfing, bowling, horseshoes, hunting, trout fishing, singing, camping and watching western films, especially Gunsmoke.
He was a foster child of 23 homes; the last three were the most influential to Frank: James and Marty Ventura, Ron and Sue Lewandowski and Chester and Ester Andrews. At age 15, he chose to call Ron and Sue, his mom and dad and be grandparents to his children. Through 23 & Me DNA and cousins, Marianne Bowman and Mary Ruth Weaver Heiligenthal, he located his sister, Michele Houck in 2017 and then located his biological dad and sister in 2019. His father has now passed. His mother passed when he was four.
He dedicated his life to ministry and service, pastoring with compassion and humility. He served as chaplain to the local jail, federal prison, nursing homes and hospital, offering comfort and encouragement to all in need. Even in his death he was thinking of others; he donated his eyes so someone else could see.
He was preceded in death by his father, James N. Vendegna; mother, Geraldine Hilt; foster parents, James and Marty Ventura and Chester and Ester Andrews; and brother, Ron Cole Seavey.
Frank is survived by his wife of 40 years, Karen Lovingood Rodriguez; sons, Franklin of Asheville, Jonathan of Lake County, Florida, Timothy (Nicole) and Benjamin (Kandis); grandchildren, Chase, Ivory, Everly, Elijah and Rome; stepmother, Christine Vendegna; foster parents, Ron and Sue Lewandowski; siblings, Nicole Kight, Michelle Houck, Erika Labroscian, Mike Lewandowski, Steven Lewandowski, Dale Andrews and Emily Ventura-Buckler; and several nieces and nephews. He will be deeply missed by extended family, friends and the many lives he touched.
The family will receive friends Friday, Aug. 22, at Macon Funeral Home from 6 to 8 p.m. A memorial service will be held at Grace Baptist Church Saturday, Aug. 23, at 11 a.m. Reverends Carl Carpenter and David Williams will officiate. Interment by Reverend Mike Fox at Woodlawn Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Joshua Barnes, Nathan Edwards, Michael Lewandowski, Tristen Lovingood, Heath Moss and Houston Moss. Honorary pallbearers will be Benny Hampton, Dale Andrews, Brendan Kight, Lucas Bryan, Max Lovingood, B. Andrew Lovingood, Robert Berry and all preachers who preach God's word.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Grace Baptist Church, 139 Setser Branch Road, Franklin, NC 28734.
Online condolences can be made at maconfuneralhome.com. Macon Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.