Ray Gonzales

Ray Daniel Gonzales Sr, 66, of San Antonio, Texas entered into eternal rest on April 9, 2023, after a long and brave battle with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma.

Ray was born to Rudolph C. and Celia B. Gonzales on August 26, 1956.  He graduated from Brackenridge High School and later continued his education and earned: Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences – Texas State University; Master of Aeronautical Science – Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University; Master of Science in Human Resource Management – Troy State University; Professional Human Resources Certification (PHRC) – Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI); Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) – Society for Human Resource Management and a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) License.

Ray retired E-7 Master Sergeant from the USAF out of Holloman AFB, NM in 2001 after 26 years to include 4 years in the Texas Air National Guard.  He was with the Texas Rehabilitation Commission (TRC) as the Regional Human Resource Director for almost 2 years.  He later retired again in May 2017 from the Air Force Personnel Center, Randolph AFB, TX where he served as Civilian Career Development Programs Administrator (Air Force Wide) GS-13.

Ray had a stellar career as a Civil Servant.  He developed programs that are used in the Air Force to this day.  He accomplished numerous accolades throughout his 9 years with the Military Equal Opportunity Office such as teaching Cadets at the Air Force Academy.  His passion however, was the 17 years he spent on the flightline as an Air Force Crew Chief.  He loved working on the F4 Phantoms as a young Airman.  As he progressed, he became one of the most respected men on the flightline. He was fondly referred to as “The Mean Bean” – as he was totally serious about the maintenance of all the aircraft he was in charge of.  He eventually moved to the Quality Assurance area of the flightline.  He particularly liked this job as well because of the way he could mentor young Airmen.  His philosophy was not to write them up for errors, but to teach them the proper procedures to assure all aircraft were properly and safely maintained.  His objective was to get the mission done and to assure it was done correct!

Ray loved his family dearly.  Married for almost 36 years and fondly knows as “The Man The Myth The Hubbs,” his Shenanigans are legendary.  He was proud of and loved his two sons, daughter in law and absolutely adored his granddaughter.  He loved working in his yard and definitely had a green thumb.  He loved antiquing and turning the old things into new refurbished creations for the house and yard.  He loved driving his truck and playing Oldie Moldie Music.  Family vacations and fishing getaways to the coast were always a must.  His sense of humor kept everyone laughing and his smile could light up a room.  Ray was a very loving and humble man.  He kept his family and his friends close to his heart.  His lively and generous spirit will be missed by all who knew him.

He is preceded in death by his father and mother Rudolph C. and Celia B. Gonzales. He is survived by his loving wife Marian; his two sons Ray D. Gonzales Jr. (Korinna Rae); Rudy Alexander Gonzales; granddaughter Raevyn Rae Gonzales; Sisters Evelyn Gomez (Gilbert); Roxanne Martell (Cindy); Sister in law Sandra Gonzales; and many nieces and nephews and cousins.

Visitation:  3:30 – 4:00pm

Recitation of the Rosary:  4:00 pm

Eulogy and Remarks:  4:20pm