As a Brownwood family mourns the loss of Ernesto Gonzales, friends have set up a GoFundMe account to help pay for his funeral and other expenses after his sudden and tragic death on Sunday. To make a donation, CLICK HERE.
Ernesto Gonzales, Jr. passed away on Sunday, November 2nd, 2014 at the age of 34, in Brownwood and leaves behind his wife and six children ranging in age from two to sixteen years old.
His brother Paul Espinoza stated that his brother was a special person.
“Ernie had a way with people, he could take 5-6 guys and just bring them in and make them a close knit family, like brothers,” said Espinoza. “He had a way to talk to you on any level, a way inside your heart that just made you look at life in a different way.”
Espinoza stated that the family looks back now after Ernie’s death and counts a recent family vacation this past July as a blessing, one last chance to all be together as extended family. Ernie’s brothers and sisters (with the exception of one), nieces, nephews, and their father were able to go on a vacation that formed many now cherished memories with Ernie.
Funeral services for Gonzales were held on Friday.
Ernesto was born on October 12th, 1980, in Denton, TX. He lived most of his life in Kingsville, TX, prior to moving to Brady, TX, and then moving to Brownwood, TX. He was the owner and operator of Strong Arm Moving Company in Brownwood, TX. Ernesto was very devoted to making his new company grow and thrive. He had a passion for classic cars, and in his spare time he enjoyed working on his vintage 1979 Camaro. But, more than anything else in the world Ernesto loved spending time with his wife and children. His family was first and foremost in his life. Ernesto will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Ernesto is preceded in death by his Uncles Abraham and Manuel.
He is survived by his wife, Rachel Nandin, of Brownwood, TX.; Six children, Vanessa, Melaine, Gabriella, Issac, Julie, and Abigail; Parents, Elizabeth Ramirez of Brady, TX and Gilbert Espinosa of Kingsville, TX; Grandmother, Maclovia Ramirez; Five brothers, Eddie Espinosa, Paul Espinosa, Mark Espinosa, Omar Ramirez, and Marcus Perez; One sister, Edna Espinosa; as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.