Gregory Moncivais Rodriguez was born October 18, 1943, in Bryan, Texas to Paul L. and Consuelo M. Rodriguez. Gregory’s grandfather, Manuel, was the first Mexican to settle in Bryan. From an early age, civic pride and a strong sense of obligation to assist other immigrants was instilled in Greg. His passion for music, language, faith, and activism would become the foundation of a legacy that touched thousands.

Greg attended Bowie Elementary school and graduated from Stephen F. Austin High School in 1962. He attended Allen Academy Junior College on a baseball scholarship and earned an Associates Degree in 1964. Gregory’s golden voice and ability to speak English and Spanish led him to seamlessly call baseball games, emcee weddings, and auctioneer. However, Greg noticed that local broadcasting excluded Spanish-speaking members of the community.

On June 21, 1966, when few Spanish radio programs existed state-wide, Greg approached then-owner of WTAW, Bill Watkins, offering to host a weekend Spanish program. If Greg could secure sponsors to support the show, he could begin. Within one week, Greg founded the first Spanish-radio program in the Brazos Valley and spent 11 years at WTAW before moving for several more years to KAGC radio. He was then invited by lifelong friend Joe Lee Walker to start a Spanish program on urban contemporary radio K94 in Hearne, Texas.  In 1991, Greg fulfilled his dream of becoming part owner of the first full time Spanish radio station KBMA, Radio La Fabulosa 99.5 FM in Bryan, Texas. His broadcasts became a trusted voice for the Latino and greater community—praying, playing music, reading obituaries, and delivering news with heart and faith. He earned the title “El Amigo del Pueblo” (Friend of the Community) and in 2008, was honored as Radio Personality of the Year by Radio Link Magazine.

Greg’s life was also a model of public service. He served two terms as a Bryan City Councilman, District 1 and Mayor Pro Tem, was lifetime member of the B/CS Chamber of Commerce, Board Member for the Brazos Valley Food Bank, Past Chairman of Fiestas Patrias Scholarship Committee, and a lifetime member of the American GI Forum and Santa Teresa Catholic Church. Within the Santo Nombre (Holy Name) Society, he served and emceed countless Bingo, Jamaica and other events to raise funds that created, maintained and/or operated his beloved parish, Santa Teresa on Bryan’s West Side. He was a member of the Bryan Jaycees, LULAC, the Black and White Ball, and was a founding owner of La  Fiesta Ballroom, a Bryan West Side Event Center & Venue where he promoted local and regional Spanish live music . He was also a founding member and active officer of The Hispanic Forum of B/CS, and received the Amicus award from the Brazos Valley African American Museum for his tireless work in the community, as well as the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Hispanic Forum.

Greg was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Consuelo Rodriguez, his four brothers, Paul M., Fred, Richard and Manuel “Memo” Rodriguez, and his cherished aunt and uncle, “Uncle Pete” and “Tia Frances” Rodriguez. He was especially fond of  Casa Rodriguez, the downtown Bryan restaurant founded by his brother and sister-in-law, Richard & Bea Rodriguez, where Greg was a mainstay along with his beloved nieces Carolyn, Debbie and Rachel. Greg is survived by his eldest son, James Rodriguez and James’ wife, Marbella, along with their children, Elvira, Tobias and Mirelli. Greg is also survived by his younger son, Joseph “Jody”  Rodriguez and Jody’s  wife, Marie, and their children, Sebastian, Elise and Desi. He leaves behind a large and loving extended family, including countless nieces, nephews, radio colleagues and community members who were blessed by his friendship and leadership. The Rodriguez family extends heartfelt gratitude to Drew and Rosie Meredith, Ms. Dominga “Dee” Rodriguez Turner, John Meredith, and Hannah Silby for their compassionate support.

Gregory Rodriguez lived a life devoted to faith, family, and community. He will be remembered always as El Amigo del Pueblo—a voice, a servant, and a friend to all.

A wake and Rosary will be prayed Friday evening, 5/16/25 at Santa Teresa Catholic Church from 5-8 PM. A funeral Mass of Christian Burial will take place the following morning, Saturday, 5/17/25, at 9AM at Santa Teresa Catholic Church–1212 Lucky Street, Bryan, TX.