Notice regarding Coronavirus...Read More

Plan Ahead

Gonzales, Marshall Raymond "Ray"

August 20, 1955 –
 July 25, 2021

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.

    Richard Gonzales
    20 Sep 2021
    4:12pm

    I love you dad. Rest In Peace.

    Tammy Kirkham
    20 Sep 2021
    9:09pm

    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.

    Emily Salomon
    20 Sep 2021
    11:01pm

    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

    David Gonzales Jr
    20 Sep 2021
    11:26pm

    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

      Bella
      10 Sep 2023
      2:38pm

      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

        Michele Gonzales
        23 Feb 2024
        2:08am

        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.

    Michele
    22 Sep 2021
    12:11pm

    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…

    Bill and Gloria Wheeler
    22 Sep 2021
    6:42pm

    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.

    Georgia Young
    23 Sep 2021
    5:18pm

    Ray you were only with us for a short time but you will be missed. Rest in peace.

    Belva Crosby
    28 Sep 2021
    11:02am

    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!!

    Hunter Richardson
    29 Sep 2021
    5:27pm

    What a blessing it has been to be Ray’s neighbor. Our hearts, thoughts, and prayers go out to those closest to Ray.

    Ken Abreu
    1 Oct 2021
    11:00pm

    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.

    Bella
    10 Sep 2023
    2:28pm

    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.

Leave A Condolence

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Testimonials

R. Driver
Read More
"Excellent customer service, they made you feel like you were their only customer. Very helpful and explained what we should expect during the process. They basically took care of our needs during this time. They contacted DFW National Cemetery for us which made it a smooth experience. Definitely will use them again."
K. Barker
Read More
"I was amazed how professional the team at Aria Funeral Preston Dallas Texas are. They guided me through the process and my options of their services that they offered for my mother. They are compassionate, caring, calm, good listener, efficient and did an excellent job! Thank you!"
R. Woll
Read More
"If I could give 6 stars I would. Aria made a difficult easier to deal with by basically taking care of everything in an efficient but very empathetic manner. I can speak highly enough of Dusty Martin, who helped us with all of the planning and logistics. He was incredibly understanding and helpful."
Angel M.
Read More
"Nothing prepares you for the grief you go through when losing a child. I called this funeral home at 2:00 am broken and could barely talk. The amount of compassion and empathy they showed me immediately let me know I found the right place to cremate my son. I cannot thank them enough for their professionalism, SINCERE concern, and commitment to making sure my son was honored in the most respectful way. I hope this Funeral home values her as much as my family and I do."
McGee Family
Read More
"Wayne and Staff, thank you for taking care of the arrangements for our mom, Exter McGee and our dad, Philip McGee. You have been great to work with during such a difficult time."
Elledge Family
Elledge Family
Read More
"On behalf of my family, I wanted you to know how much we appreciate your handling of my husband's final arrangements. Wayne Baxter assisted & guided us through the entire process with such care & compassion. Don't know what we would have done without him! Sincerely, Colleen Elledge"
The Peterson Family
The Peterson FamilyYelp! Review - Northwest Highway 5-Stars
Read More
"I can’t say enough about how helpful and professional Dusty Martin, the funeral director at the Aria Cremation location on NW Highway has been. From my initial call, he was kind and informative. My friend died at home while on hospice and she was picked up in about an hour after receiving the call from the hospice nurse. The person who arrived to pick her up was also very professional/respectful and allowed us to take as much time with her as we wished. When I met with Dusty the next day about arrangements, he explained the process and options available without being pushy or trying to “sell” extras. Throughout the process, he kept me informed and, for example, was careful to be certain I understood the cost of the obituary I wanted and offered some options for reducing that cost if I wished. When I stopped by for another reason and started talking about some of the problems I was having with the pictures and media I hoped to use at a memorial lunch I was planning, he not only listened patiently but offered technology advice and let me use his personal media player. I have had experience arranging cremations for four others using two other local companies, and this experience with Dusty at Aria has been by far the best one I have had."
Paula Barnes
Paula BarnesGoogle Review
Read More
"My Daddy’s service and our family experience at Aria Northwest Highway was truly blessed. Funeral Director Dustin Martin is the kind of person that you would like to see on a more regular basis – but in his industry – you hope to not see him that often. That being said – THANK YOU DUSTIN for your unending kindness, compassion and friendship through the process. Meeting you and discussing Dallas History, Find A Grave and my Dad’s lifelong contributions to the great City of Dallas was simply wonderful! In memory of my dad James A. Dodd, Sr. – I want to personally thank you and let you know that you made everything better in that moment. Your calling to “Be There” is spot on. Aria has a one in a million guy in you! Bling Blinky of TEXAS Shout Out: God Bless You!!"
Previous
Next

Get In Touch

Locations

Immediate Attention

Contact Us

Preston Road

“George Bush at Preston”

Aria - Northwest Highway

“5 Miles East of Hillcrest Memorial Park / Lake Highlands”

Funeral Homes Irving Tx: Aria Cremation

“Belt Line Road at 183”

Fannin Memorial Gardens

Veterans Funeral Services

Darst Funeral Home

Search Obituaries

Search

Important Information

  1. If death has occurred and or is imminent, please call the Aria location nearest you.

    PRESTON ROAD
    214.306.6700

    NORTHWEST HIGHWAY
    214.340.8008

    BELTLINE ROAD
    972.607.4400

  2. Click here to Download the Cremation Forms.
  3. Have the cremation authorization form notarized
  4. Fax the forms back to us at:
    • NW Highway
      214-340-8009
    • Preston Rd.
      972-526-7410
    • Belt Line Rd.
      972-573-1008
 

Additional Information