Ramon Andres Gonzalez

2021 - 2021

Harlingen - Harlingen-Ramon Andres Gonzalez, 62, affectionately called Ray, passed peacefully surrounded by family from this life into the loving arms of our Lord Jesus Christ on Thursday, February 4, 2021 at Kindred Hospital in San Antonio.

Ray is survived by his wife of 42 years, Diana Garcia Gonzalez; his four children Andres Gonzalez (Jesus), Diana Marie Gonzalez, Ramon Hortencio Gonzalez, Linda Marie Salinas (Raymond Jacob); and his eight grandchildren Teresa, Daniel, Liana, Raymond, Andres, Alejandra, Benjamin, and Emma. He also leaves behind three siblings, a brother, Jose C. Gonzalez (Patricia) and two sisters Hortencia Puga (Pablo), Marivel Reyna (Domingo), and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, and Godchildren.

Ray is the son of Hortencio Suarez Gonzalez and is preceded in death by his mother, Maria Teresa Gonzalez.

Ray, a native of the Rio Grande Valley, was born on February 11, 1958. He graduated from Harlingen High School in 1979. Shortly after, Ray started his own business at the age of 21 known as Ray's Lumber Ranch, soon to become Gonzalez Homes. Ray's interest in draft and design led to many successful endeavors. Projects such as the RGVLS Main Entrance, HCISD AG Farm, Jubilee Academy, Batta Pediatric Clinic, Dr. Izquierdo Family Clinic, Raymondville Family Medical Clinic - Dr. Rajiv Sinha, Wright Cleaners, St. Jo's Formal Wear, Livingway Church, Elsa State Bank, Stone Oak Townhomes, Nantucket Estates, Tucker Manor, El Cielo Subdivision, and over 1000 custom-built homes were all made possible through Ray's passion and dedication to his community. He was a member of the Harlingen Area Builders Association and a realtor. The determination and ambition in his heart resulted in the legacy he leaves behind.

His passion also extended to life on the ranch. He loved his horses and cattle and just enjoyed being outside doing the things he loved. In his passion for cattle, he created Mid-Valley Cattle Company and was a member of the Beefmaster Association, International Brangus Breeders Association, and American Simmental Association. In his early years, Ray was a member of the Thoroughbred & Quarter Horse Racing Association and was often out at the race track.

While he loved life on his ranch, and played many roles, his greatest love was his family and grandchildren. After a long day's work, there was nothing more Ray enjoyed than being welcomed by hugs and kisses from his grandkids. His grandchildren developed a shared passion with their Grandpa in raising animals and livestock. Just like their Grandpa, they have participated in FFA. Time spent together, Grandpa instilled the values of family and hard-work ensuring their success in life.

Ray was a personable family man and a devout Catholic. He was a kind-hearted individual who gave himself to his customers, business colleagues, friends and most importantly his family. He was a friend to everyone he met and always saw the good in others.

Honored to serve as Pallbearers will be Andres Gonzalez, Ramon Hortencio Gonzalez, Raymond Jacob Salinas, Hortencio Gonzalez, Claudio Gonzalez Jr., and Jesus Espiritu. Extended Pallbearers will be Hortencio Suarez Gonzalez, Jose C. Gonzalez, Domingo Reyna, Pablo Puga, David Garcia, Paul Garcia, and Christopher Luby. Honorary Pallbearers will be his grandsons, Daniel Cedillo, Raymond Jacob Salinas Jr., Andres A. Gonzalez, and Benjamin Cedillo.

The Gonzalez family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the Doctors, Nurses and staff at Kindred Hospital in San Antonio for their compassion and care of Ray Gonzalez.

Services have been entrusted to Heavenly Grace Funeral Home in La Feria, Texas. Visitation will begin Thursday at 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM. The rosary will be closed to immediate family due to capacity constraints but will be streamed live via Facebook and HeavenlyGraceRgV.com at 7:00 PM.

Funeral services will begin Friday, February 12, 2021 with a service at 11:00 AM at the Our Lady of Assumption Catholic Church.

Immediately following the service, our family would like to invite everyone to a special procession and viewing of Ray's final duties on the Gonzalez Family Ranch that will begin with a trail ride. A map for directions and designated parking areas will be available on the Heavenly Grace Funeral Home Facebook page.

Upon completion of his duties, the procession will continue to Restlawn Memorial Park.

Amid the coronavirus pandemic, the funeral home is only allowing 50% capacity. Please practice social distancing, wear a mask and use hand sanitizer frequently.