Eloy Lopez Gonzalez, a devoted and beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather and brother, quietly passed away on September 15, 2025, at DeTar Hospital Navarro in Victoria, Texas, surrounded by his two loving daughters and family. He was 83 years old. He was born April 16, 1942, in Falfurrias, Texas, to the late Miguel and Tomasa Gonzalez, Sr.

From an early age our father worked alongside his father and siblings as a ranch hand attending to livestock and fields. In high school he played football and lettered in track. After the 11th grade he was told he would not graduate. Our father decided he would join the United States Navy to travel the world, where he served his term of four years, 1961-65, aboard the U.S.S. Topeka stationed in Japan. He was then assigned as a gunner's mate to oversee all weaponry on board. He was honorably discharged for his service to his country.

After returning home he would find himself in Bay City alongside his brother working as a Painter's helper. During this time, he married Josephina Belia Rodriguez of Bay City, and they had two daughters and a son; Tomasita, Florencio Ray and Leona. He then completed classes and became a heliarc welder where he worked at many plants, including the construction of STP Nuclear Plant in the 80's. Bay City became his beloved hometown with very fond memories of his favorite things, like fishing off Seawall in Surfside, visiting Matagorda Beach with us floating in inner tubes. Friday nights he would listen to Bay City Black Cats football on an AM/FM radio, and Sundays were for The Dallas Cowboys—our father loved family, BBQ and football

He was preceded in death by his parents, Miguel and Tomasa Gonzalez, Sr.; ex-wife, Josephina Rodiguez; son, Florencio Ray Garza; and siblings, Raul Gonzalez, Aida Gonzalez, Humberto Gonzalez, Santos Gonzalez, Idalia Zuniga and Odilia Ramirez. He is survived by his siblings, Miguel Gonzalez, Jr., and Silvia Alma Gonzalez; daughters, Tomasita Gonzales Tabares (Alex, Sr.) and Leona Gonzales Whitman of Bay City; grandchildren, Renee (Nate) Patina, Corey (Courtney) Williams, Alex Tabares, Jr., Brian (Sydney) Whitman, Anthony Tabares, Wesley (Yaneth) Whitman and Alyssa Tabares; great-grandchildren, Ma'kiya, Courtney, Jr., Kristi'ana, Cameron, Zackery, Nathan, Bella, Delilah, Peyton, Eleanor, Elijah and Olivia; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

The family will receive relatives and friends for visitation from 5-7pm Monday, September 22, 2025, at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home. The Holy Rosary will be recited at 6:30pm by Deacon Joe Ramos. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00am Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, with Father Gabriel Espinosa officiating. Interment will follow at Cedarvale Cemetery. Pallbearers for Eloy will be Alex Tabares, Jr., Brian Whitman, Anthony Tabares, Wesley Whitman, Miguel Gonzales III, and Humberto Gonzales, Jr. Honorary pallbearer will be his brother, Miguel Gonzales, Jr.

Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.taylorbros.net