Manuel “Manny” Gonzalez, 43, of Homeland, passed away unexpectedly on June 10, 2015 at Mayo Clinic Health Systems in Waycross. He was born February 27, 1972 at Paul Kimball Hospital in Lakewood, New Jersey to Milagros Bermudez and the late Manuel Gonzalez. His father’s side of the family is from Cuba and Spain. His mother’s side of the family is from Puerto Rico and the United States.
He is survived by his loving wife of more than 13 years, Killeen Gonzalez, of Homeland; his mother, Milagros Bermudez; his children, Monica Gonzalez, of Florida, Brian Gonzalez, of Tennessee, Megan R. Gonzalez, of Pennsylvania, John Quick of Arizona, and Conner Quick, of Pennsylvania; his siblings, Gilbert ”Max” Rivera, of New Jersey, Sara Rivera, of Florida, Nancy Quinones, of Ohio, Marilyn Goudy, of Maine, and Elizabeth Matos, of New Jersey; his pets, Pablo, Oscar, Angus, Bruno, and Vinny; and several uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews and other relatives.
In life, Manny excelled at everything he did. He was a loving husband, astute businessman, energetic entrepreneur, trusted friend and master craftsman. He loved fishing, boxing, history, listening to music, being outside, playing with his pets, following politics and spending quality time with his wife, Killeen.
When Manny met Killeen many years ago, he gave her a wall plaque that read:
Some People
Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some people move our souls to dance. They awaken us to new understanding with the passing whisper of their wisdom. Some people make the sky more beautiful to gaze upon. They stay in our lives for awhile, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never, ever the same.
At the time, Manny promised her that he’d be the man to leave big footprints on her heart. And that is exactly what he did. He will be greatly missed.
The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Shepard Funeral Home to help cover final expenses. Memorialization will be by cremation. He will eventually be Interred with his late father, Manuel Gonzalez.
Condolences may be expressed by signing the guest register at www.shepardfh.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Shepard Funeral Home, Folkston.
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