Florencio "Speedy" Gonzales, 75, died March 11, 2012 with his friends and family by his side. Funeral services will be 10:30a.m., Wednesday, March 14, 2012 in the Elliott-Hamil Chapel of Faith, 5701 Hwy 277 South. Visitation will be Tuesday evening from 6:00 to 8:00p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be at 12:00p.m. in the Texas State Veterans Cemetery under the direction of Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home.
Florencio was born March 6, 1937, in Sabinal, TX, the son of late Florencio and Anita Gonzales. He was the oldest of 12 siblings. He married the love of his life Rafaela Gonzales on June 12, 1957.
Proudly serving in the United States Air Force for 21 years, Florencio is a veteran of the Vietnam War where he received several medals, including the Purple Heart and Bronze Star for bravery. After retiring he was employed by American State Bank, retiring in 1998.
He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Steve and Norma Gonzales of Abilene; his daughter, Belinda Gonzales of Abilene; grandchildren, Alexis, Patrick, Jaime, and Alex; and great-grandchildren Caleb and Tristan.