Rodney Roger Dovalis

Rodney Roger Dovalis, age 87, of Bulverde, Texas, passed away on Wednesday, September 17, 2025.

He was born on November 21, 1937, to Goldie Ione Shaw in Earl, Colorado, most likely in the family’s home. Earl no longer exists as a town, but in those days a small sign along the railroad tracks marked the spot so passengers would know where they were on their journey.

Before Rod’s birth, Goldie worked as a cocktail waitress in a local restaurant. When Rod was still an infant, she met and married Gabriel “Bill” Dovalis, who had immigrated from Niata, Greece, a small village outside of Sparta. Together, as survivors of the Dust Bowl era, the family relocated to California and made their home in the Long Beach/Lakewood area. Goldie later passed away in January 1986.

Rod began his education at Longfellow Elementary School, then attended Brown Military Academy for middle school. He continued on to St. Anthony High School in Long Beach. After graduation, he studied for one year at St. Edward’s University in Austin, Texas, before transferring to the University of Arizona, where he spent about two years continuing his studies.

In 1958, Rod met the love of his life, Linda Isaacs. They shared one chocolate soda, and the rest was history. The couple married in Las Vegas over spring break in 1958, beginning a lifelong partnership filled with devotion, laughter, and family. Together, they welcomed three children — Alex, Darla, and Debra — who became the center of their lives. Rod embraced his role as a husband and father with love, humor, and dedication.

At just 11 years old, Rod began working in his family’s Long Beach restaurant, Currie’s Santa Fe. He started as a potato peeler and worked up to manager. For around 50 years, Rod faithfully served in the restaurant, building relationships, mentoring staff, and carrying on the family tradition with pride, pouring long hours and dedication into building a place where people gathered over good meals. After the restaurant closed, he found his true passion in harness horse racing, as an owner, trainer, and driver, where his grit, instinct, and competitive spirit shaped a meaningful career. When Rod eventually retired from racing, so did his horses — living out their days as Rod and Linda’s riding horses and beloved pets on their acreage in Santa Fe, Nm, and Sparks, NV.

Rod lived life with a storyteller’s heart — always ready with a tale that usually began with, “to make a long story short.” He had a way of making life an adventure, and had a gift for turning everyday moments into memories. He loved entertaining and cooking for family and friends. An amazing cook, he was always eager to discover new recipes and put his own touch on them. He could often be found in the kitchen creating meals to be shared. Behind a camera, he found joy too, building a darkroom in the garage, where he spent hours developing photos of his favorite subject, his family. Rod also enjoyed reading, writing, and tinkering with projects. More than his hobbies, though, it was his spirit that stood out—he made friends wherever he went, always ready with a story, a laugh, and his time.

He is survived by Alex and Cecilia Dovalis of San Antonio, Texas; Darla Drummond of Lakewood, California; and Debra and Bill Savage of Lake City, Iowa. He is also lovingly remembered by his six grandchildren. His memory will be cherished by all who knew and loved him.

Rod was preceded in death by his parents, Goldie and Bill; two aunts, Margie and Dorothy; his brother, Demetre; and his beloved grandmother Josie, lovingly known as “Gram.”

Services will be held at Schertz Funeral Home on Friday, September 26, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. Gathering and visitation with the family will begin at noon.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Bulverde Lions Foundation P.O Box 70, Bulverde, TX 78163