Shaun Lloyd Rodriguez

Shaun Lloyd Rodriguez, 59, of Pampa, passed away on Thursday, July 25, 2024 in Amarillo.

Services will be 2:00 PM Tuesday, July 30, 2024 in Carmichael-Whatley Colonial Chapel with Rev. Byron Williamson, pastor of First Baptist Church, officiating. Cremation will follow the service under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors and Crematory.

Shaun was born December 21, 1964 in Borger, TX and grew up on the South side of Pampa with frequent trips back “home” to the Grants New Mexico area where his parents met while working in the uranium mines that were active there at the time. He graduated from Pampa High School in 1984 and went on to claim his Alma Mater was El Toro drilling rig #2, after he started working in the oil field even before his high school graduation. He became an accomplished equipment operator and in 1981, while a member of the Cudd Pressure Control blow out crew, he used a D6 CAT bulldozer to back the explosive charge into place at the largest oil well fire in Texas, Apache Keys 1-11 near Wheeler. Under the early guidance of his dad, he became a highly accomplished mechanic holding ASE Master Technician certifications for both Automotive and Heavy Diesel. He loved all forms of motorsports but drag racing was his favorite automotive ambition. Along with the many cars he owned, built, and raced he also spent time during the 1980’s working as a pit crew member and competing with the NHRA Top Fuel Funny Car “Blue Max” team of privateer Raymond Beadle. He was a line mechanic at the local Ford dealership for a number of years before taking a job with Phillips Petroleum in Borger where he was a field mechanic in the Borger and later Pampa Truck Shops. In 1995 he went to work at Pantex plant as a Weapons Technician and was involved in the meeting of requirements to several Nuclear Arms Treaties involving the disassembly of multiple nuclear weapons platforms built during the Cold War. While at Pantex he became a member and later a Steward of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, (IAMAW) Local Lodge1255, regularly attending negotiation conferences in Washington D.C. where he became well known by the IAMAW  National President and many other IAMAW members from throughout the defense industry. After meeting 3 U.S. Presidents, countless Generals, Admirals, and Ambassadors as well as teams of scientists and physicists from around the world who came to observe various operations involving the assembly and disassembly of nuclear weapons, he retired from Pantex in 2018. 

Shaun was an avid biker of the smallest percent, traveling the country just because we wanted to and making many friends and acquaintances from coast to coast. He raced dirt bike enduros for the factory sponsored Team Yamaha of Dwight Chase, barely missing an invitation to race the European Circuit due to injury. Throughout his life a love for all things fast and fun granted him experiences, lessons and stories some may not be able to imagine. 

His grandest experience began when he married Tammy Hinson of Lefors, Tx on November 18, 1988 at the “Little White Chapel” in “Sin City”, Las Vegas, NV. Together they had two sons, whom he instilled with his work ethics, proud heritage, and most of all, his love for cars and going fast. Shaun and Tammy continued attending motorcycle rallies throughout the southwest with a close “biker family” throughout the 90’s and early 2000’s. Putting many miles under their tires to make memories that would last a lifetime. 

Shaun was a big supporter of the High Plains Cruisers and Burnin the Bricks as well as a member of the Cold War Patriots. After retirement he gloated about his role as “Granpas” and enjoyed spending time with his 3 grandchildren and piddling with his growing collection of automobiles and auto related “junk.” 

He was preceded in death by his parents and his orange cat; Hotrod.

Survivors include his wife, Tammy of the home; two sons, Phillip Rodriguez with Alicia Thomas and Nicholes Rodriguez all of Pampa; a daughter, Savannah Byars and family of Centerton, AR; brother, John Floyd Rodriguez and family, of Midlothian, TX; three granddaughters, Chelslyn, Annastyn, and Addilyn Rodriguez; 3 Bonuses, Marley Hayles, Addison and Maddox Thomas; his “Other Son”, Dylan Parks and his “Favorite Son”, Mason Watkins, all of Pampa. As well as many other “strays” he took under his wing.

The family asks for memorials or donations be made to the High Plains Cruisers Scholarship Fund.