George Gonzales

Coach George Gonzales passed away peacefully in his home in Hebbronville, Texas on Tuesday, July 25 at the age of 65 surrounded by his loving family.

Left to cherish his memories are his beloved wife, Judy Joyce (Saenz) Gonzales, his children George Gonzales Jr. of San Antonio, Gregory Gonzales of Hebbronville, Briana Giselle Gonzales of Hebbronville, his grandchildren Joaquin Manuel Gonzales and Mason George Gonzales. Cherished friends and family including: Olga LeFevre, Richard LeFevre, Jeffery LeFevre, Jennifer LeFevre, Humberto and Lynda Soliz & Family, Amando Saenz, Peter Chapa, Manuel Flores, Danielle Gonzalez and his Webb CISD staff while employed there.

Coach George’s siblings include:: Mary Zuniga (+Manuel) from San Antonio, Josephine (Nick) Fowler of San Antonio, Ismael (Socorro) Gonzales Jr. of Tilden, Helen (Michael) Rachael of Lena, Louisiana, Gilbert (Graciela) Gonzales of Jourdanton, Richard Gonzales of Pleasanton, Ellie Gonzales of Alexandria, Louisiana, Ruben (Roxanne) Gonzales of Three Rivers and Robert Gonzales of Tilden. He is preceded in death by his parents, Ismael and Dolores Rodriquez Gonzales of Tilden; mother in law Maria Saenz of Hebbronville.

Coach George attended McMullen County School and Lubbock Christian High School. He was awarded a football scholarship to Cisco Junior College where he earned an Associate’s Degree ultimately transferring to Texas A & I University in Kingsville. He started his teaching and coaching career in La Pryor, Texas in 1975 with his friend and mentor, Zachery LeFevre. He then moved to Ben Bolt, where he and Zachary led the Badgers to the state title game in Texas football. George eventually landed in Bruni, his adopted hometown. He taught and coached the Bruni Badgers for 37 years. There wasn’t a sport he didn’t touch nor a field he didn’t groom. He led the Badgers to numerous titles in the sports arena. Furthermore, he was in charge of the maintenance department and maintenance staff at Webb Consolidated ISD. In addition, Coach George officiated for many years with the Texas Association of Sports Officials-Kingsville Chapter. He concluded his career in Bruni in December 2015 due to his battle with Lou Gehrig’s Disease, ALS(Amyotrophic-Lateral-Sclerosis). Pallbearers that will honor Coach George will be: Mario Benavides, Noe Gonzalez, Orlando Gonzalez, Jeffery LeFevre, Homer Maldonado, Ivan Soliz, Javier Soliz and Jorge Marquez. Honorary Pallbearers will be: Peter Chapa, Joe Salinas, Ron Hedtke, Joe Cusak, Humberto Soliz, Amando Saenz, Roy Vega, Emilio Uribe, Arturo Lozano, Armando Huerta.

The family would like to thank New Century Hospice Care Team, Marivel Renteria, Jennifer Espinosa, Deacon Rick Cosley, Carmelita Quintanilla, the University of Texas Health Science Center ALS Team.