Eugene George Gonzales' Obituary
Eugene George Gonzales was born on November 27, 1926 in Tampa, Florida. He left this earth on December 11, 2017 to join his Lord and Savior and his beloved wife of 68 years, Millie Gonzales. Eugene (Gene) was the only child born to Alice Walker Gonzales and Eugene George Gonzales, Sr.Gene graduated from Jackson High School in Miami, Florida where he was First Chair Trumpet player for the Jackson band. After graduation Gene enlisted into the U.S. Marine Corps during WWII and upon his return from active duty, he entered the University of Miami on a music scholarship. On September 6th, 1948, Gene married the love of his life, Millie (Mildred Ware), and together they raised three children; Richard Eugene Gonzales, Deborah Carol Stone and John Gerard Gonzales.Gene was a consummate trumpet player. He was Solo Chair in the Marine band, Solo Chair in the University of Miami band and orchestra, where he was recognized for his incredible gift and talent. Following his graduation from the University of Miami with a degree in industrial engineering, he joined the FBI and became a Special Agent. He went on to work in the aviation industry with Eastern Airlines as an industrial engineer. In 1967, Gene and his family moved from Coral Gables, Florida to Dallas, Texas where he was hired at Braniff International. Later, he continued his education earning a Master’s in Business Administration from Texas A&M Commerce.A major anchor in their lives was Walnut Hill United Methodist Church and the Harmony Class. Their lives were full with activities they participated in with the class, helping the community, feeding the poor and aged, giving to charity and spending time in the word of God. Gene was president of the Harmony class for many years.Gene lived a very full life and is survived by his sons Richard and John Gonzales, his daughter, Deborah Stone, his grandchildren, Kimberly Ditore, Jennifer Hood, Lauren Del Busto, Matthew Gonzales, Michael Snuffer, Alison Snuffer Miller, Brittany Stone, Logan Stone, Nicholas Gonzales, Benjamin Gonzales and by ten great-grandchildren. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 13, 2017 from 6:00-8:00 PM at Restland Funeral Home. Services will be held on Thursday, December 14, 2017 at 10:30 AM at Walnut Hill United Methodist Church.
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