Rocky Alburtis of Lubbock passed away surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at the age of 69, following a courageous battle with cancer that spanned more than 14 years. He was born October 28, 1956, in Lubbock, Texas, to Reginald and Rachel (Hughes) Alburtis.
Rocky graduated from Monterey High School in 1975, where he was an exceptional baseball player. His senior year he was selected for First Team Collegiate All American along with a scholarship to play baseball at Blinn Junior College in Brenham, Texas. In 1976, he was selected in the 5th round of the Major League Baseball Draft by the Boston Red Sox organization. He continued his professional baseball career through the 1979 season. Five decades later, Rocky was inducted into the Lubbock ISD Athletics Hall of Honor in 2025, an achievement that reflected the lasting impact he made on the game he loved.
On February 19, 1977, Rocky married his high school sweetheart, Patti Fouts. Following his professional baseball career, Rocky and Patti moved to San Angelo, where he joined the family lumber business. They started their family there with identical twins, Josh and Jody in 1981 and a third son, Jake in 1986. They were members at Johnson Street Church of Christ during their time there.
His love for the outdoors, particularly hunting and fishing, eventually led the family to purchase a ranch in Central Texas. There, Rocky poured his heart and talents into creating a place that reflected his passion for the land and wildlife. Family, friends, and hunters were always impressed with how well managed and pristine the place was. He loved having people come and enjoy the ranch. In 2002, Rocky and Patti began hosting the Sunset Church of Christ college group for their spring retreats and continued the tradition for 10 years.
In 2003, Rocky and his family returned to Lubbock. He was a faithful, active member at Sunset Church of Christ. Above all, Rocky’s faith was his foundation and formed his strong convictions.
Over the years, Rocky began gathering downed pecan trees from the ranch. What began as a personal passion eventually grew into a successful business. In 2015, he founded Texas Pecan Wood, combining experience in the lumber industry with his remarkable woodworking skills. Specializing in custom conference tables, bar tops, doors, and mantles, Rocky and Jake transformed raw timber into beautiful works of art.
Rocky approached everything he did with his whole heart. Whether on the baseball field, working the land, crafting a piece of furniture, or tending to his garden, Rocky gave nothing less than his best. A master gardener, he found great satisfaction in working with his hands and sharing the fruits of his labor.
Rocky was a devoted family man. His love for Patti, their children, and grandchildren was unwavering. Fiercely loyal to those he loved, he was determined to protect and provide for his family. Even throughout his lengthy battle with cancer, Rocky demonstrated remarkable faith, strength, and perseverance and refused to let his illness define him. Rocky lived with purpose, loved deeply, and left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.
Those left to cherish his memory include his beloved wife of nearly 50 years, Patti Alburtis of Lubbock; two sons, Josh Alburtis and wife Kelly of San Angelo, and Jacob Alburtis and wife Janae of Lubbock; six treasured grandchildren, Marley, Ian, Jude, Rowan, Finn, and JodiKate; brother, Barry Alburtis and wife Sue of San Antonio; sister-in-law, Amy Alburtis of Venus, Texas; along with extended family and many dear friends.
Rocky was preceded in death by his parents, one son, Jody Alburtis in 2002, and recently one brother, Reggie Alburtis.
The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 pm, Thursday, November 12, 2026, at Venue on Broadway. Memorial services are scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on Friday, November 13, 2026, at Sunset Church of Christ. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Sunset International Bible Institute, Solar Mission Fund, https://www.sunset.bible/give-now