Ray Gonzalez, 83, Bronson, died Friday, April 19, 2013, at his home. He was born Aug. 11, 1929, in Belle Plaine, the son of Jose and Patrocinio Gonzalez. He worked on the railroad during summer months before graduating from high school in Derby. He served in the U.S. Army from 1951 to 1953, stationed in Germany. He worked as a commercial electrician for 40 years, traveling often in his profession.
He married Burma June “B.J.” McCall Townsley on May 23, 1979. He enjoyed fishing, woodworking, and in his younger years playing pool. He was always busy, tinkering with something. He was a lifetime member of the V.F.W. Post 7253 in Derby.
Survivors include his wife B.J.; son Eddie Gonzalez; two step-sons, Lance and Billy Townsley; step-daughter, Sandra Drake; four brothers, Tony, Bobby, Dave, and Danny Gonzalez; and four sisters, Mickie Cotton, Juanita Godwin, Eloise Fowler and Rachel Rodriquez. Also surviving are six grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Debbie Redington; two brothers, Salvador and Pete Gonzalez; three sisters, Connie Graves, Sarah Coffee, and Mary Rico; and as his parents.
Pastor Rusty Newman will conduct graveside services at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Moran Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Moran Methodist Church and may be left in care of Cheney Witt Bronson Chapel, P.O. Box 93, Bronson. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Ray Gonzalez
