Ralph Gonzales

Pastor Ralph Rivera Gonzales, Sr., age 65 of Rockwall, TX, passed away on December 25, 2016 in Rowlett, TX. He was born on October 19, 1951 in Austwell, TX to Pedro Gonzales, Jr. and Otilia (Rivera) Gonzales. Ralph married Irma Mora on December 7, 1989 in Corpus Christi, TX. He pastored the New Praise Baptist Church in Dallas for 16 years. He earned his Master’s Degree in Psychology from Texas A&M, a Bachelor’s Degree in Theology from Oral Roberts University, and he attended Criswell College for a short time, as well. Ralph loved reading and learning as much as he could, but his real passion was telling everyone about Jesus. He was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather, and he loved his family dearly, which also includes his church family.

Ralph is survived by his wife, Irma Gonzales; son, Jody Jonathan Gonzales; daughters, Kimberly Ann Gonzales, Brittany Lynn Salazar and husband, Pablo, and Crystal Marie Gonzales; and granddaughter, Gabriela Marie Gonzales. He was preceded in death by his parents, and one son, Ralph Gonzales, Jr.

Visitation will be held from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., Thursday, December 29, 2016 at the Central Park Church of God, 1901 E. Centerville Rd., Garland, TX 75041. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, December 30, 2016 at Central Park Church of God with Pastor Arturo Hernandez officiating. Interment will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Rowlett.