Gonzales, Marshall Raymond "Ray"
Obituary
On Sunday, July 25, 2021, Marshall Raymond “Ray” Gonzales, loving husband, father (Pops) of five children, thirteen grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, unexpectedly passed away at age 65. Ray was born on August 20, 1955 in Oakland CA to Ernie and Sally Gonzales. He was a master craftsman and small business owner in custom upholstery for 47 years, more recently semi-retired, driving part-time for a medical transport company. He married Michele Mello on September 14, 2003. They blended their families never using the word “step” children. He is survived by two sons Richard and Ben, two daughters Raelene and Lisa. His daughter Chelsea preceded him in death November 1, 2010. He had a passion for collectibles, especially 1:18 die cast cars, modifying them with custom tires, lift kits and more. He loved interior painting and decorating with Michele as they created two homes together over the years. He took pride always trying to have the most gorgeous lawns in the neighborhood. He loved a special genre of music especially Old School and the Groove. He was known for his quick and most often humorous wit. His heart was larger than life, willing to come to bat for anyone who needed help. His spirit was one of kindness and compassion, with his faith in Jesus as his foundation. Ray is also survived by his sisters Gloria (Bill), Ernestine, Rebecca, Emily and Terri (Rick) and brothers David, Daniel (Carol) and Manuel as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his Pops Ernie, his mother Sally and his older brother Joseph. A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, October 1, 2021 at Vintage Church, 4343 W FM 93 Temple, Texas at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations to Vintage Church’s Reach and Build -Vintage Kids.
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I love you dad. Rest In Peace.
My heart and prayers go out to Michelle and the rest of the family. Me, Michelle, and Ray went on a few adventures together, always having fun no matter what we did. He was greatly loved and will be deeply missed.
I love you brother I know your walking the streets of gold and you are now in the presence of God. I will see you again
Im so sad& sorry to hear about my Uncle Ray. Im just barely hearing about this now. I have some memories of him from when he first moved back to San Leandro Ca from Georgia. As a kid i use to laugh at him because he had a country accent. I lived in San leandro myself so i was in the neighborhood alot and was around him alot. He was one of the uncles that looked like my dad. As time went on and when my grandparents passed away, all the uncles& aunts went their own way & i never saw my Uncle Ray anymore or the rest of the family pretty much. So hearing this news almost 2 months later is pretty sad for me. Uncle Ray was a cool guy. He was always good to me even though he didnt really know me. Rest in peace Uncle Ray
Hey David,
My name is Isabella and I’m Ray’s granddaughter, Ben’s daughter. I didn’t really know him all too well either, I had only visited him a couple times when I was 13 and he & my dad were working things out. That’s about to be 7 years ago. It breaks my heart that Ray wasn’t a big part of my life, especially considering all the family I haven’t even met yet, such as yourself.
I also got word a couple months later, but it seems that its impact on me had been delayed and I am just now trying to make peace with it. As I get older I realize just how much I’ve actually been needing him.
I am not sure if you knew my dad or my uncle Richard or have even heard of me at all, but I consider it a blessing that we all got to experience him at some point.
Take care,
Isabella
Hello Bella…this is Michele. If you ever wish to reach out and contact me. You are welcome to do so. I’m sad that it was so delayed that you heard about your Grandpa’s passing… Several family members including your Uncle Richard were trying to reach out to your dad while I was hospitalized…
and thereafter.. If you would like to talk feel free to call me. My number is still the same. Every so often this obituary pops up and I read the messages. This is the first time I had seen your message… He loved you dearly you are very special to him. His presence is very obvious to many of us including new. I know he watches over a lot of us.
Your journey home away from me has fractured my heart however it overflows with love and amazing memories of everything we did during our 25 years together. I will love you always…
You never said I’m leaving you never said goodbye. You were gone before we knew it and only God knows why. In life I love you dearly in death I love you still. In my heart I hold a special place for you my brother Ray that only you can feel. It broke my heart to lose you brother but you didn’t go alone a part of me went with you the day God took you home.
Ray you were only with us for a short time but you will be missed. Rest in peace.
I’m so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and Prayers are with you all. We had some good & funny memories whenever we were searching for your home that I won’t ever forget!!
What a blessing it has been to be Ray’s neighbor. Our hearts, thoughts, and prayers go out to those closest to Ray.
I have good memories of Ray. When my two sons and I spent a couple of days with him and Michelle. He was a good man and will be missed.
Hi Grandpa,
I sure do miss you so much, now more than ever. It breaks my heart that we only had just a limited time together and I always wish I could do it all over again. I wish it could have been different and I know you feel the same. My dad and I need you. Please keep watching over us and visiting me, you know I feel it when you do.
I love you so much. I’ll see you again sometime.