Roy N. Gonzales

Roy Nunez Gonzales, 67, passed away on April 29, 2016. He succumbed to his long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease and is now at peace. He was born on October 14th, 1948 in Fort Stockton Texas. He was born to Pilar and Gregoria Gonzales and had three siblings. His sisters, Josephine Gonzales and Maria Gonzales have preceded him in death. His eldest sister, Margarita Gonzales, lives currently in El Paso, TX. His niece and nephew Javier Barrera and Melissa Calderon are dear to Roy and have shared many endearments with him. He is a graduate of Fort Stockton High School, class of 1967 and of Sul Ross University where he received his degree in Education. He lived in El Paso, Texas and was a loyal parishioner of St. Raphael’s Catholic church for many years. He worked at the EPISD for 31 years, teaching Texas History at Bassett Middle School and as a coach of several sports. He was often seen and recognized around town by his many students who affectionately called him, ‘Coach/Mister.’ He married his wife, Olga Zambrano Gonzales on June 18th, 1972. Their marriage of 43 years yielded his son Cesar Gonzales, 40, and his daughter Christine Gibson, 37, as well as four grandchildren: Brianna Gibson (22), Alexis Celeste Gonzales (19) Avery Christian Gibson (12) and Maxwell Kyle Gonzales (14 months) all of which survive him today. Roy’s son in law, Christopher Gibson, lives with Christine in Oak Point, Texas and has been more than a second son to Roy in the many years that he has faithfully loved Roy’s daughter. Roy’s daughter in law, Kila Gonzales lives with Cesar in Monroe, Louisiana and even in the darkest throws of his illness Roy always had a smile to reflect the beautiful one that she gave him in the time they grew to know and love one another. Additionally, Roy was deeply loved and admired by his family by marriage, the Zambrano family. Brothers and sisters in law survive him as well as numerous nieces and nephews along with their growing families. A very special thanks to Mr. Felipe Ortega and family for their extremely exceptional and rare devotion to Roy’s care. Roy found in him a gentle and devoted warrior for his cause, as Roy fought against this disease. The amount of love and affection that the family has for Mr. Ortega cannot be stated emphatically enough. The family has been extended and improved with the addition of Mr. Ortega. Roy was a devoted husband, selfless father, and loving grandfather. His skill on the baseball diamond, notable with a baseball bat have seldom been equaled. He played with several baseball clubs over the years to include the Fort Stockton Blue Sox and later the Ysleta Indians, San Elizario, and the Ysleta Merchants where he forged great and lasting bonds with the brothers that he shared affiliation. He was an avid reader and teller of tales famous of Texas lore. He was a great dancer and often frustrated fan of the Dallas Cowboys. The many years spent with his children raising them in the love of Jesus Christ have imbued a similar fire in their endeavors as parents. He was passionate about his native Texas and passed this love on to his family members, as well. Olga Gonzales and he were seldom seen apart, even in his final hours. He will be missed but celebrated often. A devoted Catholic man, his place in the kingdom of Christ is guaranteed as he has been a child of the Lord, the entirety of his life, for all that knew him knew of his generosity, his smile and his warm heart. Rosary and viewing services will be at Hillcrest funeral home of El Paso on Sunday, May 1st 5-9 pm. The Rosary will begin at 7 pm. Details at http://www.hilcrestfuneralhome.org Funeral Services to be held at St. Raphael’s Catholic Church on Monday, May 2, 2016 at 9:30 am. Details at http://www.straphaelelpaso.org. In lieu of flowers, make donation to the Alzheimer's Association.