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Reyes G. Rodriguez, 79, passed away peacefully on April 29, 2019, at his home in Winslow with his loved ones by his side.
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Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, May 2, at Greer’s Mortuary. Holy Rosary will be recited at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, May 3, and Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m., at Madre De Dios Catholic Church. Cremation to follow after service and burial to follow at a later date.
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Reyes was born to Antonio Rodriguez and Natalia Gonzales Nov. 25, 1939, and was baptized at St. Joseph Catholic Church Jan. 28, 1940. He was also involved in the Legion of Mary.
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During his childhood he would go house to house selling ice to neighbors to make some cash. He graduated from Winslow High School in 1958 but not before attending baseball try-out camp of the St. Lewis Cardinals in 1957. Reyes was quite an athlete, lettering in baseball all four years of high school and rumored stories say he was also quite the ladies’ man. He attended Yavapai College and ended up enlisting in the service, between 1963-1965. He was a US Army specialist, 42nd Armor Division.
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He was involved with the American Legion Post No. 15 over 50 years and held commander position for two years. Reyes worked as a lab supervisor for the Arizona Department of Transportation from 1966-1992 when he retired. In 1966, he celebrated the birth of his daughter Yvonne, although secretly he wanted a son to follow in his footsteps. He realized in time why the Lord sent him his devoted daughter.
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He spent many years caring for a young man he considered his grandson, Anthony Brito. Sadly Anthony passed at an extremely young age due to health complications.
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Reyes had an open door policy as his home always seemed to attract those who needed a loving and stable place until they could get back on their feet. The home motto was ”if we can’t help someone in need then what good are we?”
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Reyes loved spending time at the casino, sports, mariachi music and all the kids that would visit who considered him their grandpa. He was a very blessed man with a contact list in his phone longer than most. He had amazing friends and was blessed to be able to visit with many of them before his death.
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Leonard Baca and Walter Rubi were two of his friends that had the opportunity to be by his side as much as they could.
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Reyes is survived by his daughter, Yvonne (Carlos) Rodriguez; grandson and caretaker, Jesus Granados; grandson, Justin (Kaleigh) Powell; his step-daughter, Darlene Gallegos, who also took time to care for him; and brothers, Freddie (Flora) Rodriguez and Carlitos (Celeste) Padilla.
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He was proceeded in death by his brother Ernest Rodriguez; mother, Natalia Padilla; step-father, Carlos Padilla; and grandson Anthony Brito.
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Greer’s Mortuary of Winslow handled the arrangements.
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