Harry James Gonzales

HARRY JAMES GONZALES 

Born June 20, 1946 to Maria Nieves and Jose Teofilo Gonzales in Ocate, NM.  Harry grew up in Ocate, Costillo, and Grants, NM. with his brothers and sister.  His family moved with sawmill work, Teofilo owned J.T. Lumber Company.  They were a close family.  A God believing family with love and laughter and hard times too-but God as the center.  His father and mother lived by truth, by Joshua 24:15; "But as for me and my household we will serve the Lord." 

Harry is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Bella. His pride and joy his daughter, Cecilia Morris and her husband Shawn, 2 grandchildren, Karaya and Xavier Morris.  He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Adela Sena.  He is survived by numerous brothers and sisters; Lydia Branyan (husband Russ), Carol Maleska, Martha Ulibarri (husband Gerald), Betsie Martinez, Marcella Smith (husband Ralph), Delora Griego (husband Elfego), Danny Gonzales, Rachel Luevano (husband Lalo), Angel Hernandez (husband Blas), and JT Gonzales.  He is also survived by numerous nephews and nieces.  

Harry grew into a Godly man. He served in the US Army, attending Airborne School- he was a paratrooper.  He married Bella Sena and had one daughter (Cecilia) and lived in Grants.  He worked at Kerr McGee Corporation in surveying and ventilation-he made sure the air was safe for miners. He then worked  until his retirement, at the New Mexico State Highway and Transportation Department as an Engineer Technician.  He was intelligent and humble.  He had smiling eyes and a wonderful sense of humor. He genuinely cared about people and had unwavering  faith.  His belief in God sustained him. Harry loved life and lived fully.  He always tried to capture moments in time-usually snapping pictures of people along the way.He loved to laugh.  He loved his God, his country and his family-with all his heart. We loved him dearly and a place in our hearts is empty, but we know that we have a hope . A hope that Harry proudly proclaimed, AND we will see him again and oh what a joyous reunion that will be!  

In Lieu of Flowers memorial  donations can be made to the Wounded Warrior Program or the Lupus Foundation of America.