George Raymond Gonzalez's Obituary
George Raymond Gonzalez was born in Tampa, Florida April 14, 1947 to Raymond P. and Mary E. Gonzalez. He married the love of his life, Shirlene (Curry), on December 12, 1964. They enjoyed over 58 years of marriage. Sweethearts through all the adventures life brought their way. He passed away from Covid November 5, 2023 at Washington Regional Hospital in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
We weep as we release him to heaven. Heaven rejoices as they welcome him home.
He graduated from Jefferson High School in Tampa, Florida, and earned an Associate of Science Degree in Business Management from Hillsborough Community College. He was a certified Purchasing Manager and a certified Appliance Service Technician, retiring from Sears in 2009.
George was proud to have served his country as a Sergeant in the Air Force during the Vietnam War Era. He worked as an aircraft mechanic on B-52s and KC-135s while stationed at Homestead Air Force Base in Florida and Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio.
George, lovingly known as Pappaw, Pappy, and Poppa Gonz, is survived by his wife, Shirlene, his son George Gonzalez Jr (Amy), his daughter Tammie Withrow (Jeff). His grandchildren: Benjamin Gonzalez (Lindsey), Adam Gonzalez (Emily), Whitney Withrow, Tiffany Withrow, Matthew Gonzalez (Lindsey), and Isaac Withrow.
Two great granddaughters: Sophia and Tatum. Three siblings of Tampa, Florida: Virginia Fernandez, Mary Evelyn Ciccarello (Lou), Raymond Gonzalez (Cindy). One aunt: Tia Nana (Antonia Roy). Many nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends all over the country.
Pappy served his sisters and brothers in Christ alongside Shirlene. A few of the ways he served were through a Marriage Encounter team, on the board of National Marriage Retorno, and taking communion to the homebound. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus.
George enjoyed traveling, with his bride by his side, to destinations all over the world. His favorite trips involved Holy Sites such as The Vatican in Rome, Lourdes, France and Knock, Ireland.
He loved to restore classic cars and was extra proud of his ’52 Chevy Pick Up he rebuilt and painted Corvette Yellow. He fondly referred to the truck as “Old Yeller.” His love for restoring classic cars was sparked while he made modifications on a 1979 MG Midget for Tammie’s High School graduation.
Over the past 33 years he survived 5 separate cancers, 3.5 years on dialysis, a kidney transplant and a massive heart attack that resulted in triple bypass surgery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the National Kidney Foundation or the American Cancer Society.
Thank you to the many doctors, nurses, and medical staff at Washington Regional Hospital where he received outstanding medical care.
A Rosary will be held at 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 8, with visitation following until 6:00 p.m. at Nelson Berna Funeral Home in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Funeral Mass will be held at St Raphael Catholic Church in Springdale, Arkansas, at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, November. 9. Interment to follow at Fayetteville National Cemetery with military honors. To place an online tribute, please visit www.bernafuneralhomes.com
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