William "Willie" Gomez

William "Willie" Gomez, age 78, adored father, son, brother, and grandfather, was called to his eternal resting place on Friday, August 16, 2024. He entered this world on Monday, November 19, 1945, at the El Regalado Ranch in Santa Monica, Texas, born to Manuel and Maria "Cuca" Gomez (Sandoval). He was preceded in death by his sister, Diamentina and his brothers, Larry and David Gomez.

He is survived by his partner, Ramona Herrera; and Janice Pankonin, the mother of his children, Melissa (Joe) Ruiz and Jason (Amber) Gomez; and Linda Gomez, the mother of his children, Jay (Jayme) Gomez and Samantha (Damian) Rodriguez; his grandchildren: Brittany and Joseph Ruiz, Landen and Kennedy Gomez, Jordyn and Greyson Gomez, and Sydney and Jaden Rodriguez; along with his siblings, Jose Luis Gomez, Vina Guerrero, Anita Wolfe, and Manuel Gomez.

Willie's life began on the Santa Monica Ranch, growing up with eight siblings who he admired. He attended school in Raymondsville, TX, and it was there he enlisted in the United States Air Force. Willie proudly served his country which led him to Grand Forks, ND. It is there that he was Honorably Discharged and began a career in welding as an Iron Worker.

Willie was a proud Union Iron Worker, his strong work ethic, and welding talent took him all around the country working on many steel projects - his proudest being the Golden Gate Bridge. His career took him to many states including Montana, Washington, California, and Nevada. Upon retiring, he settled in New Mexico.

Willie had unbreakable bonds with all his children and grandchildren. He often would load up his car for a bit of a road-trip to visit them all, driving to Minnesota, Colorado, Texas, and Washington, surprising his family along the way. When Willie was not working or visiting his many friends and family across the country, he spent time rebuilding classic cars. You could catch him cruising with the top down in his red '69 Ford Galaxy 500 all around New Mexico, often with his children and grandchildren along for the ride.

He also appreciated the quieter moments of life, which always included a dog walk. Willie was diligent about walking his fur-babies, Dakota and Wyatt, every morning. He became the honorary dog walker at every home he visited. He loved sharing stories around the table or backyard fire pit often telling jokes or watching the Dallas Cowboys, but most importantly, loved living his life just as he wanted.

Willie will be remembered for so many reasons, but mostly, he will be remembered for the way he made each person in his life feel, uniquely loved.

Memorial services are to be determined at a later date, but will be held in Raymondsville, TX. The family asks in lieu of flowers, please make donations to your favorite local animal shelter and/or the Wounded Warrior Project.