Richard Alan “Granddaddy” Gonzales, Sr. passed away Wednesday August 15, 2018. He retired from Memphis Light Gas and Water in 1982 after 31 years of service. After retiring from MLG&W, Richard worked at Adessa Auto Auction for many years.
Richard was preceded in death by his first wife, Vivian Pewitt Gonzales, his parents Felix and Lou Eva Gonzales, his siblings Thelma Cooper, Bettye Patzch and Felix Gonzales. Richard is survived by his wife of 20 years, Patricia Montague Gonzales of Collierville, his son Richard Alan Gonzales Jr. (Carol) of Lakeland and his daughter Suzanne Osborne (Brad) of Lakeland. He is survived by his grandchildren, David Prather (Eva) of St. Ignatius, MT, Amy Cooper (Steve) of Niceville, FL, Jason Gonzales (Andria) of Hernando, MS and Brian Prather (Mary) of Memphis. Richard is also survived by his step children, Hal Montague (Joan) of Oakland, DeRonda Warren (Bubba) of Jackson, and Phillip Montague (Lynne) of Clarksville, TN. He is also survived by his step grandchildren Toby McNabb of Jackson TN, Ben McNabb of Collierville, TN, Haylee Montague of Oakland , Kara Gentry (Matt) of Oakland TN, Allison Montague of Memphis, Mckenzie Rowe (Christian) of Clarksville, and Madison Montague of Clarksville. Richard was also survived by 8 great grandchildren and 1 step great grandchild.
Richard grew up in the Levi Community and attended Whitehaven High School graduating in 1948. He was as a star athlete in basketball and track. He was known for winning a Whitehaven game against Germantown in the playoffs by hitting a half court shot and for winning the State Championship in the Javelin in 1948.
Richard joined the Tennessee National Guard at the outbreak of the Korean War. He served in the 196 Field Artillery Battalion, Tennessee Army National Guard in Korea and returned to Memphis in 1952 where he was honorably discharged. Throughout his life, in addition to his work at MLG&W and Adessa, you could say Richard’s hobby was ushering. He enjoyed many years of ushering at Crump Stadium, the Mid South Coliseum, the Liberty Bowl, the Tennis Tournament at the Racquet Club, Lady Tiger Basketball, and the Landers Civic Center. Richard was proud to have worked at the Coliseum from the time it opened until the last performance.
Richard was a devout Christian who never went a day without reading his Bible. He attended several different congregations in the Memphis area and was currently a member of the Collierville Church of Christ.
Richard was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather whose love for his family was second only to his love for the Lord. He will be truly missed by everyone who knew him.
The family will receive friends on Friday August 17, 2018 from 5 to 8pm at Memphis Funeral Home on Poplar. The service will be on Saturday August 18 at 10am at Memphis Funeral Home with burial to follow in Memorial Park.
