Rodolfo "Rudy" Villarreal, 85, passed away on December 12, 2023, in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Rodolfo was born in Tivoli, Texas on July 28, 1938, to Rufino and Guadalupe (Vasquez) Villarreal. His family moved to Robstown, Texas, where Rodolfo attended school before being drafted to serve in the military during the Cold War and took part of the Cuban Missile Crisis. Serving in the Army, Rodolfo was on active duty from 1961 to 1963, then remained in the Reserves until 1967.

Rudy married Hilia Ramos of Alice, Texas on October 20, 1961. They moved to Corpus Christi, Texas, where they have resided since and raised their five sons. For over 60 years, Rudy worked for various Ford dealerships throughout the city, working as a tow truck operator, earning the nickname "Rudy Wrecker".

Rudy was constantly involved in the lives of his children and grandchildren. His favorite pastimes included watching old Westerns, such as Gunsmoke, and spending time with his family. A charismatic man, Rudy knew how to make people laugh and lent a helping hand to those in need. Any space that he walked into, Rudy was sure to walk out with a new friend.

Rudy is survived by his wife of 62 years, Hilia R. Villarreal; their five sons, Rudy, Jr. (Dee Dee), Joe (Irma), Adolph (Dolores), Randy, and Luis (Laura); their six grandchildren, Rudy III, Justin, Joey, Arlene, Aaron, and John Lucas; their twelve great-grandchildren; his sister Olaya V. Gonzalez; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 19th at Guardian Funeral Home from 9am-11am . The Holy Rosary will be recited at 11:30am at St. Patrick's Catholic Church with the Funeral Mass to follow at 12pm . The Burial will be at The Coastal Bend State Veterans Cemetery at 2pm .