William Bruce Gonzalez

William “Bill” Gonzalez passed away surrounded by his family on Saturday, March 13,2021 at 11:18 pm. Bill was born in Hollywood, CA on April 5, 1951. He is the youngest of 3 children. Bill graduated from Fresno High School in 1969. He was then drafted 2 years later and served a term in Vietnam.

Bill landed his Pepsi career in 1974 where he was an essential part of setting up The Big Fresno Fair, Clovis Rodeo and other Fresno Valley events. This is when Bill found his passion for BBQing/cooking. Bill competed in many cook offs around the Central Valley. He won quite a few ribbons for his mouth watering BBQ ribs. If you have ever eaten his BBQ ribs you would know why he won.

In the 1980’s Bill was the Founder/President of Shaka Vans. A local Fresno van club. The club would gather on weekends for outdoor camping and team competitions throughout California.

Bill was also a co-owner of a local bar here in Fresno where he proudly displayed his ARMY, POW-MIA, Vietnam Veteran flags. Along with San Francisco Giants and 49ers memorabilia.

He also had a 12-year career with BRINKS before he medically retired. With extra time on his hands, he started to volunteer more at the VFW Post 8900. Being the Bill, we all know and love he had to be more than a volunteer. So, he served as a board member for years. He then found his purpose with CVV (Central Valley Veterans). Bill made it his personal goal to help Veterans and their families.

Bill was awarded a numerous number of certificates and awards throughout the years including Veteran of the Year. The Red Cross also presented him with a Volunteer of the Year award.

Bill was very well known by a lot of people from all aspects of life. He always offered a hand up and not a hand out.

He will be deeply missed by everyone he encountered.

A one-of-a-kind man.

Bill is survived by his Life Partner – Mary Espinosa; Daughters – Tracy Gonzalez & Nicole Schaaf; Son & Daughter in Law – Eric & Janie Gonzalez; Proud Papa to 5 grandchildren – Janessa, Jazmine, AJ, JaeLynn, James; and 3 Great Granddaughters – Pooters, Lyza, Tugboat (those were Bill’s nicknames for his girls); Brother & Sister-in-Law – Paul & Connie Gonzalez; Sister – Sylvia Clark; and many nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.whitehurstsullivan.com for the Gonzalez family.