Rene Javier Gonzalez

Rene J. Gonzalez- beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend to many, at age 80 passed away on June 24th, 2023, in Corpus Christi, Texas. Rene was born on June 27th, 1942, to proud parents Florencio and Gudelia Rendon Gonzalez in Nuevo Laredo, Tamps, Mexico. He was raised in Corpus Christi, Texas and graduated from Ray High School.

As a toddler, the family moved to Detroit, MI from Laredo while his father worked as an aircraft technician during World War II. They eventually moved and settled in Corpus Christi, where his parents began their journey of living the American Dream, by opening their first business. It began with Casa Mexicana Music Store followed by La Terraza Hall (upstairs) and following his father’s passing, the family opened La Terraza Ballroom (downstairs).

As an adolescent, he assisted his family with all aspects of running the family-owned businesses. Following his high school graduation, he enlisted in the United States Navy and was proud to serve on the U.S.S Howard D. Crow. Following his service, he returned to Corpus Christi to start his family.

Rene worked as a driver’s education instructor, from 1977 to 1984 and then returned to work for NAS-CCAD. He also remained dutiful to his family’s business. He always held more than one job at a time, to include working part time jobs at bars his friends owned, liquor stores and the endless hours helping his mother and siblings at La Terraza every Saturday night running the bar.

He married the love of his life, his earthly angel, Maria Del Socorro Barrera on July, 10th, 1992. Rene and Maria were lovingly married for 30 years. Rene was employed by CCAD for over 30 years until his retirement in 2005.

Nobody was safe from Rene’s corny dad jokes and endless teasing. His wit was unmatched and certainly unending. He will be missed greatly by his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, including a host of nieces and nephews who all have stories of their own. There will forever be an emptiness felt by all.

Rene is preceded in death by his parents Florencio Sr. and Gudelia Gonzalez; siblings Florencio Gonzalez Jr., Homero Gonzalez, and Carmela Trevino.

Left to cherish his memories is his wife Maria Del Socorro Gonzalez; sons Rene Jr., JJ Gonzalez (Mary); daughter Elizabeth Gonzalez; children who he loved as his own Mario Barrera (Ida), Leticia Perez (Richard), Chacho Barrera (Roni); grandchildren Marissa Barrera, Keilahnye Pettit (Bryan), Victor Perez, Roberto Barrera, Toby Gonzalez, Jennifer Rayne Gonzalez, Nicky Gonzalez; great grandchildren Ezekiel Gutierrez, Braston O’Bryant, and Sophia Perez.

Visitation will be held from 5:00pm to 9:00pm on Sunday, July 2, 2023 at Funeraria Del Angel Everhart at 4901 Everhart Road in Corpus Christi, Texas. A recitation of the Holy Rosary will be held at 7:00pm that same evening. Funeral service will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on Monday, July 3, 2023, at Most Precious Blood Catholic Church, 3502 Saratoga Blvd., Corpus Christi, TX 78415.

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