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Gilbert R. Rodriguez

November 3, 1925 ~ February 21, 2013

Gilbert Rodriguez was born November 3, 1925 and passed away February 21, 2013. He is survived by his wife, Sara; his daughter, Cristina; his son, Luis (Widyawati); three grandchildren, Luis, Gabriel, and Laura; a brother, Fidel; a sister, Delia; many nieces and nephews; and his “daughter #2”, Danielle. Born in Nogales, Sonora, Mexico, Gil immigrated to California at age 2. At age 16, he was enrolled in military school in Tijuana, Mexico. Upon graduation, he served a year in the Mexican Army and then returned to California and joined the United States Air Force. He retired after 20 years of proud service and began a second career with the U.S. Census Bureau. During this time he earned an undergraduate degree in Management Engineering from the University of Colorado at Denver and an MS in Statistics from West Coast University. After 15 years he retired again. Gil and his wife (a Rocky Mount native) and daughter moved here in 1988, and he worked locally for several years. In his spare time he earned a second undergraduate degree, in Spanish, from East Carolina University. Gils fondest memories were of watching his children and their friends grow up. He was better able to do this with his daughter, since he was retired by the time she came along. In recent years he enjoyed retirement, his friends and traveling. He was especially fond of visiting friends in Panama City, FL and day trips to his “getaway” at Lake Royale. He was a great advocate of physical fitness and maintained a rigorous workout schedule until his illness would no longer permit it. His family would like to thank those who provided care for Gil during the last three years, notably, Dr. David Seaman, Dr. Kenneth Adams, Dr. Laura Jacimore, the doctors of SMOC (Rocky Mount), Dr. William Deans and their staffs. We are especially grateful to Lynn, Debbie and Rudy, with Hospice and Palliative Care of Nash General Hospital. Final Arrangements will be provided by Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount NC. A memorial service will be held at 2:00pm on Sunday, February 24, 2013 in the funeral home chapel. The family will greet visitors following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of ones choice. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com. Visitation Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services 1130 N. Winstead Ave. Rocky Mount, NC 27804 ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-451-8800 --> | Sunday 2/24, 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm Service Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services 1130 N. Winstead Ave. Rocky Mount, NC 27804 ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-451-8800 --> | Sunday 2/24, 2:00 pm

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  1. When we lose a loved one to death, Jesus opened the way for us to gain everlasting life. (Matt.2028) grief & the feelings of helplessness can seem unbearable. At such times as these, we need to go to means of faith in the merit of Jesus shed blood, that we can we gain ; everlasting life.(John 316) The Bible gives Gods word for comfort. (2 Cor. 1 3,4) The Bible helps us to understand how Jehovah & Jesus feel about death. Jesus who perfectly reflected his Father, knew the pain of losing someone in death. (John 149) How did Jesus feel about losing his friend The account tells us that Jesus joined Lazarous relatives & friends as they grieved over this loss. Seeing them, Jesus was deeply moved. He groaned in the spirit & became troubled. Then the account says Jesus gave way to tears. (John 11 33,35) Did Jesus grief mean that he had no hope Not at all, in fact, Jesus knew that something wonderful was about to happen. (John 11 3,4) Still he felt the pain & sorrow that death brings. Jesus did not claim to perform this amazing miracle on his own. In his prayer just before calling out to Lazarus, he made it clear that Jehovah was the source of the resurrection. (John 1141,42) This was not the only time that Jehovah used his power in this way. The resurrection of Lazarus is just one of nine miracles of this kind recorded in Gods word. All of these things just show us what is to come to pass in the near future. What a wonderful gift of LOVE.


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