Raymond “Pastor Ray” Gonzales, 71, passes away peacefully at his home on June 18, 2017. His final days were spent surrounded by family and friends that he had touched in some way throughout his memorable life. Pastor Ray was born March 9, 1946. He was a graduate of Upland High School Class of 1964. He is a veteran of the Vietnam War and proudly served in The United States Army 7th Calvary Regiment. Upon Honorable Discharge from the U.S. Army, he was employed by the U.S. Postal Service. On June 28, 1969, Ray married the love of his life Anita. Ray loved his wife and family with all or his heart. In 1973, Ray accepted the Lord as his personal savior. In 1978, Ray resigned from the U.S. Postal Service and accepted his calling to the ministry and continued to serve the Lord for the rest of his life. Pastor Ray was called to Shepherd over The Rock Christian Church in the barrio of Rancho Cucamonga’s North Town Community. He Pastored in Rancho Cucamonga for 25 years when God called The Rock Church to move to the City of Fontana where he Pastored another 13 years until his passing. As Pastor, he accepted his calling to preach and teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ to whomever he came in contact. He ministered all over the world. His missionary trips included India and various parts throughout Mexico. He completed a School of Ministry in the Holy Land of Israel. His knowledge of God’s Word could not be measured. He could often be found in the wee hours of the morning praying and communicating with his Heavenly Father. He truly loved his walk with the Lord and the fellowship with his Christian brothers and sisters. 1 Corinthians 10:4 “For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ!” In his free time, he was an avid artist drawing many nostalgic movie stars. He was a huge sports fan always cheering for his Lakers and Dodgers, especially the 80’s Showtime Lakers and World Series Champions 81 and 88 Dodgers. He stayed active by running during the heat of the day, or more often, doing yard work at The Rock Church. He loved to travel with his wife Anita, and traveled to Israel three times because of his love for God’s chosen people. Pastor Ray is survived by his wife, Anita; his daughter Joanne (Daniel) Mendez; his sons, Mark Gonzales and Aaron (Holly) Gonzales; his six grandchildren and two great grandchildren; his brothers, Gilbert, Philip, and Johnny; sisters, Lolita, Terri, and Ophelia. He is preceded in death by his parents Alfonso and Agripinn, his sisters Juanita, Erlinda, Dolores, Alice and Abigail. 2 Timothy 4:7-8
Arrangements under the direction of Stone Funeral Home FD272, Upland, CA.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18