Manuel grew up in Mexico and came to the United States in 1988, at age 16, for more opportunity. Opportunity took him to Wartrace, where he found family and friends that love him, and he found home. His family and home were his passion. He was an employee of Hawkins and Price Excavating, where he worked for 35 years. He overcame many challenges throughout his life, even suffering a life altering hay baler accident in 1996. On March 11, 2020, after lots of hard work and dedication, he earned his U.S. citizenship. It was an accomplishment he was very proud of. He was a wonderful husband, father, son, brother, uncle, friend, and child of God. He always encouraged and helped others.
He is survived by his loving wife of 19 years, Dana Ferguson Rodriguez; his son, Luke Rodriguez; brothers, Geraldo, Rafael, Hugo, and Noe Ricardo; sisters, Leticia, Silvia, and Ana, 23 nephews and nieces; and in-laws, Bobbie Ferguson and Roy & Dana Ferguson; brother-in-law, Jeremy (Mandy) Ferguson; and his “American parents,” Lynn and Pam Edde.
Funeral services were held 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 4, 2024, in the chapel of Doak-Howell Funeral Home with Steven Flippo officiating. Burial followed at Hollywood Cemetery in Wartrace. Visitation with the family was held 4-8 p.m. Monday, June 3, at the funeral home.
The family requests memorial donations be made to The Manuel Rodriguez Memorial Scholarship Fund to benefit his son, Luke. Donations can be made at Heritage South Community Credit Union of Shelbyville.
Doak-Howell Funeral Home is serving the family.
