William Michael Gonzalez

William Michael Gonzalez, 72, of Maumelle passed away at home on Sunday April 30, 2023. He was surrounded by those he loved. He was born in San Antonio, TX on June 11, 1950. Growing up, Michael lived in Louisiana and Arkansas. After graduating from Catholic High School in 1969, he joined the United States Air Force. He completed basic training in San Antonio, Texas, with brief stations in Syracuse, New York, and Mount Clemens, Michigan, before his deployment to Vietnam in 1971.

When Michael returned from Vietnam, he was honorably discharged, and then started his career as a letter carrier for the United States Postal Service. He retired after 36 years of service at the North Little Rock location.

 

Michael was good at anything he tried his hand at, including shuffleboard, bowling, and fishing. He was on different bowling leagues at one time or another, known for being competitive.

 

Michael was a mastermind at fixing/restoring classic cars, working on electronics, even making his own speakers. He loved to figure out how things work. He would take things apart just to put them back together. He had a passion for music and he could listen for hours.

 

He was also known for being a great son, brother, father, grandfather, and friend. He was humble in his giving to others. He would bend over backwards for anyone at any time, and he was fiercely protective of his family.

 

One thing was evident: his greatest pride in his life was his mother, children and grandchildren.

 

He was a devout Christian, and he would share the good news of salvation with anyone who would listen.

 

Left to cherish his memory are his daughters, Monica Morrison (Scott) of Little Rock, and Angela Gonzalez-Gonyer (Todd) of Matthews, North Carolina; One son, Michael Gonzalez of Little Rock; Three grandchildren, Savana Espinoza of San Antonio, Texas, Jett Espinoza of Little Rock, and Kendra Gonyer of Matthews, North Carolina; Two brothers, J.A. Gonzales (Kathy) of Sherwood, and Peter Gonzalez (Michelle) of Cabot; and one sister, Mary Hum (Pat) of Sherwood. He is also survived by the mother of his children, Joyce Sullivan.

 

He was preceded in death by his mother and father; wife Bette Gonzalez; brothers David, Robert, James, Paul; and grandson, Mason.

 

Visitation will be held at Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home Chapel on Thursday, May 4, 2023 at 8:30 am with the service to follow at 9:30 am. Interment will be held at Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery at 11:00 am.

 

Services entrusted to Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main St., North Little Rock, AR 72114. (501) 758-1170. Sign the guestbook at www.smithfamilycares.com.