Rafael Gonzales Jr.

Viewing and visitation for Rafael Jose Gonzales Jr. "RJ" 69, of Lubbock will begin Monday, November 4, 2024, at Calvillo Funeral Home & Chapel in Lubbock, 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM, with a recitation of the rosary beginning at 6:00 PM the same evening. Funeral mass will be held, 2:00 PM., Tuesday, November 5, 2024, Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church with Father Rudy Crasta officiating. Burial will follow at the City of Lubbock Cemetery under the direction of Calvillo Funeral Home & Chapel.

On the morning of Friday, November 1, 2024, RJ went to be with the Lord. He was born on August 28, 1955, in Friona, Texas, to the late Rafael Jose Gonzales Sr. and Felicitas Vega. His stepfather Benito Vega Sr. was a very important mentor and caretaker in his upbringing. RJ spent many years devoted to his career as a warehouse stager for McLane High Plains, where he worked diligently until his retirement in 2001.

A devoted member of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, RJ always found comfort and fulfillment in attending Mass.

RJ's personality was nothing short of infectious. He had a unique ability to make everyone feel welcome and valued, as he never met a stranger. With a great sense of humor, he loved to joke around and have fun, creating memories that will forever warm the hearts of those who knew him.

In his spare time, RJ found peace and happiness through several hobbies and interests. He had a passion for music and was a very enthusiastic drummer and guitarist. His love for dancing and fishing brought him immense joy. While his fascination with collecting Native American artifacts reflected his deep appreciation for history and culture. Yet, above all, he treasured spending time with his family, creating unforgettable moments together.

RJ's legacy of love, laughter, and kindness will continue to resonate through the lives he touched. May he rest in peace, forever remembered and cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

He is preceded in death by his father, Rafael Jose Gonzales Sr.; his mother, Felicitas Vega, and stepfather, Benito Vega Sr.; two beloved granddaughters, Brittany Gonzales and Katrina Gonzales.

He is survived by two sons, Rafael Jose Gonzales III (Maribel) of Petersburg and Isaiah Gonzales of Lubbock; two daughters, Amy Gonzales of Eldon, Missouri and Melissa Villarreal (Domingo) of Lubbock; four brothers, Frank Banda of Amarillo, Floyd Banda (Cynthia) of Houston, Robert Lee Vega (Vera) of Lubbock, and Benito Vega Jr. (Sarah); two sisters, Gloria Sanchez of Lubbock and Linda Reyes (Jerry) of Lubbock; twelve grandchildren; and eleven great-grandchildren.