Joe C. Gonzales Jr.

Our beloved Joey was a soft spoken outgoing, energized by people/activities and action oriented Person. Joey loved God and his family. He also loved music, dancing, singing and low riders. Joey was, as he often stated a “Lover not a fighter”. One of Joey’s attributes was bringing the family together and making everyone laugh. Joey had a great smile and was very “handsome”.

Joey always saw the good in every situation and was known as a peace maker. Joey was born at General Hospital in Los Angeles California. He was raised in the city of Bassett. Joey’s parents were Eleanor and Joe C. Gonzales. Joey was the youngest of 9 siblings, Dolores Uribe, Rachel Montavlo, Thomas Garcia, Linda Garcia, Gloria Tucker, Diana Garcia, Yolanda Eddins, David Gonzales and Armando Thomas.

As a child Joey played baseball for Bassett Little League and his team made all stars and the headlines of the Tribune newspaper, one of the highlights of his childhood. Joey also loved Kung Fu fighting and performed at Sunkist Elementary School for all the faculty and parents. Joey attended Torch Intermediate and Bassett High School.

Joey’s favorite subject was math, his favorite teacher was Mrs. Hogstead who took an interest in Joey and took him to Disneyland. Some of Joey’s friends while growing up were, Alex Alfaro, Orlando Garcia, Michael Flores, Chito, Lil Bob and Julian Garcia, among many others.

Joey fell in love with Tina Porras and on August 3, 1988 they gave birth to Lil Joey. They moved to Lakeside Oregon and it was there Joey developed a love for fishing. Some of his favorite places to fish were Ten Mile Lake and Winchester Bay. Some of his catches were Bass and Crabs.

Over the course of time Joey returned to California in an attempt to rebuild his life. On April 25, 1995 he and Virginia Holguin were married at Cupid’s Wedding Chapel in Las Vegas, Nevada. They gave birth to their Son, Christian Gonzales on May 29, 1991. Joey worked in construction for approximately 10 years and relocated to Milton Florida with his new family.

Joey helped build the 2 mile long Garrison Point Bridge that would soon allow passage from Gulf Breeze to Milton Florida. He also enjoyed fishing in the Florida waters among many other sites.

In March 1981 Joey accepted Christ and began his spiritual journey. This journey took many turns. Joey was used greatly by God to pray for his children, and family. He was known as “The Man of God” and if you had a chance to speak with Joey, he would tell you his ministry was that of Intercessory prayer.

As a result of Joey’s prayers many family members and nursing staff accepted Christ as their savior. Joey called his prayer list, the “Hit List”. Joey was always thankful to Myrna the activities director at Country Villa who often sat by Joey’s bed side to read his favorite book, The Biblia. Joey was also very grateful to David & Donna Diaz,

Pastor's of New Beginning Community Ministry, in Baldwin Park, Ca. They covered Joey in prayer, visit and sent the Brothers from the Rehabilitation Home to enjoy a time of bible study and prayer with him. They also made a way for Joey to attend church services, which made all the difference for him.

Joey’s favorite pass time was just sitting with family & friends enjoying good conversation and times of praise, worship and prayer. He was loved by his family and so many special people who took the time to stop by and visit with Joey, for this he was very grateful.

Joey role modeled a life of unconditional love and forgiveness. He was truly a living epistle and over the course of his life was able to encourage and influence many people for Christ. Joey was also very proud of the accomplishments of his Sons, Lil Joey and Christian.

On August 9, 2010 at Monrovia Memorial Hospital Joey was called home to be with his Lord. He was surrounded with family and friends as we all said of farewells. We will miss you Joey, but we know you fought the good fight, you finished your race and you kept the faith. 2 Tim 4:7. We now wait with expectation for that glorious day when we will be reunited with you in Heaven.