Leonard Paul Gonzales

‭ Leonard Paul Gonzales‬

February 17, 1946-November 3, 2024‬

‭   Leonard Paul Gonzales, age 78, passed away on November 3, 2024, in Wiggins, MS. Born on‬ February 17, 1946, in Garyville, LA. Leonard proudly served in the United States Navy from‬ 1964 to 1968, a period during which he developed a strong sense of duty and commitment. He‬ was deployed on the USS Basilone from 1965-1967, during which time he served in the‬ Vietnam War. After his military service, he met and married Marcia on May 13, 1972. While‬ living in Louisiana, they welcomed their first son, Greg, and daughter, Missy. Later, they moved‬‭ to Pensacola FL where they welcomed their second son, Glen, who started his career as an‬‭ electrician with NADAP. His career path later led him to the construction sector from 1992 to‬‭ 2006 and briefly overlapped with his time at FEMA from 2005 to 2006, where he contributed his‬ knowledge during critical times.‬

‭   One of his biggest accomplishments was earning the nickname BopBop, which his first‬‭ granddaughter, Abi, gave him. He loved spending time with his three beautiful granddaughters.‬ He was particularly fond of spoiling his granddaughters, who brought immense joy to his life.‬

‭   A man of many interests, Leonard was an avid woodworker, a skill he took great pride in. One of‬ his accomplishments is the cradle he made for his first granddaughter, which he later passed on‬ to his other two granddaughters. His love for the outdoors was evident through his passion for‬‭ hunting and fishing. A tech enthusiast, Leonard enjoyed staying updated with the latest‬‭ technological advancements. His spirit was cheered on by supporting the LSU Tigers, showing‬‭ his deep-rooted love for sports. His patriotic nature and passion for discussing politics often‬ sparked lively conversations.‬

‭   Leonard was a devoted family man. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Marcia M. Gonzales;‬ children, Greg Gonzales (Maria), Missy Chambers (Joe), and Glen Gonzales (Michelle); and‬ granddaughters, Abi Chambers, Sara Chambers, and Heaven Gonzales. He is also survived by‬ his brothers, Donnie Gonzales (Jennie) and Terry G. Gonzales (Gail). 

   Leonard was preceded in death by his parents, Sidney Bowden Gonzales and Cecil Cambre Gonzales, and his siblings,‬‭ Sidney (Sonny) Gonzales, Patsy Sikkink, and Kenny Gonzales.‬

‭   Leonard’s life was marked by his dedication to his family and his service to the nation, and he‬ will be deeply missed by all who knew him.‬

‭   Services will be held at Olive Baptist Church, 1836 E. Olive Road, Pensacola, FL 32514, on‬ Monday, November 18, 2024. Visitation will be at 9:30 a.m., and the service will be at 10:30 a.m.  There will‬ be a private burial at Barrancas National Cemetery. 

   Riemann Family Funeral Home, Gulfport, is serving the family. Please sign the guestbook and share memories & photos at www.riemannfamily.com