Mr. Rodrigo Cortez, age 59, of Douglas, Georgia, passed away Monday afternoon, April 20, 2026, at Coffee Regional Medical Center following a recent illness.
Rodrigo was born March 13, 1967, in Gresco, Mexico, to the late Presto Cortez and the late Paulina Rangel Cortez. He was a dedicated employee of Holt’s Manufacturing for 16 years where he worked diligently for the late Cecil Holt manufacturing the “Pecan Wizard”. Rodrigo enjoyed gardening and keeping his yard nice and kept up. He was known for having a green thumb.
Rodrigo is survived by his devoted wife of 19 years, Kathy Peacock Cortez of Douglas, Georgia; six children: Esmerdra Cortez of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Humbeto Cortez of Gresco, Mexico, Regina Cortez of Gresco, Mexico, Billy Ray Swift and wife, Amanda, of Martin, Georgia, Melissa Smith and husband, Cody, of Martin, Georgia, and Amy Swift of Douglas, Georgia; twenty grandchildren; a brother, Jimmy Cortez of Santa Anna, California; three sisters: Martha Cortez, Gloria Cortez, and Carolina Coretz, all of Gresco, Mexico; along with a number of extended family members.
A graveside funeral service will be held for Rodrigo on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Satilla Memorial Gardens with Pastor Beth King officiating. Musical selections will include “I Want To Stroll Over Heaven With You” and “I’ll Fly Away”, both from the recorded music of Alan Jackson.
Condolences, kind words and fond memories may be shared with Rodrigo’s family at www.ricketsonfuneralhome.com.
Rodrigo’s arrangements have been entrusted to the kind and compassionate staff of Ricketson Funeral Home, Inc. of Douglas, Georgia.