Gary Melchor Rodriguez, a beloved son, brother, uncle and companion was called home by our Heavenly Father August 26, 2018, following a courageous battle with cancer. He passed away at his home surrounded by his loved ones. Throughout his three year fight, he was always determined and strong. Rosary services will be 7:00 PM Tuesday, August 28, 2018 at the Nalley-Pickle & Welch Rosewood Chapel. Funeral services will be 10:00 AM Wednesday, August 29, 2018 at Holy Trinity Catholic Parish. Interment will follow at Mt. Olive Memorial Park.He was born September 3, 1969 in Big Spring, the youngest son of Jimmy and Lola Vela Rodriguez. He graduated from Big Spring High School in 1988. Gary worked for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice at the Smith Unit, Wallace Unit and the Big Spring work camp for a total of 22 years, retiring in 2016 due to his health. He enjoyed fishing and NASCAR.Gary was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Stanton.Survivors include his fiancé, Gloria Chavez; his father, Jimmy Rodriguez; four sisters, Eva Garcia and husband, Oscar, Kati Rodriguez and husband, David Haro, Nati Saldivar and husband, Ramon, and Yvette Calderon and husband, Fidel; and numerous nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his mother, Lola Vela Rodriguez; and one brother, Eddie Rodriguez.Gary was loved by all who knew him and will be greatly missed by his family and friends.In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org/donate or to Food For The Poor at www.foodforthepoor.org/donate .Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home and Crematory. Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com,
