Juan Gonzalez

Johnny Gonzalez, AKA "The Rainmaker" embarked on his final ride into the Heavenly Pearly Gates on November 22, 2023, where he traded his Harley for a new pair of wings.

You know the old saying "They don't make them like they used to?" Well, that's the truth about Johnny Gonzalez. God broke the mold after Johnny Gonzalez was born to Maria Cano on September 27, 1952, the year of the Dragon.

Although Johnny's journey started in Laredo, TX, it didn't end there. Life has taken him on adventures from "sea to shining sea" as he worked and traveled around the country. Throughout his childhood, while most kids his age were playing with toy trains, he was out working as a migrant farm worker with his family to assist his mom in paying the bills as man of the house. It was from this experience that he was given the gift of a strong work ethic and resilience. They were two gifts that he would pass on to his legacy. Coming from humble means meant that Johnny knew the value of everything and could MacGyver his way out of anything, but that also meant he was good at collecting any thingamajig, deal, doodad, and trinket just in case he would need it one day. He was smarter than the average man and we all knew it.

Johnny was the kind of guy that knew what he wanted in life. He met up with Raymond Rafferty in Mexico one day, when his eyes fell upon Raymond's stepdaughter, the stunning Linda. He knew then and there; he could gaze into her green eyes forever. The next few weekends, his place of duty was Juarez, Mexico along with 3 of his children. He started courting and charming the lovely Linda until she agreed to join him on his adventure to Hobbs, NM in the United States of America on Christmas Day in 1983. Their 40-year anniversary is December 25, 2023.

Johnny was never one too shy from offering advice and guidance about life to anyone who would listen; just ask any of his children, grandchildren, or any random stranger at the local truck stop. Those gold nuggets of information were tools he was putting in everyone's toolbox for future use and believe me, they were definitely used. Those closest to him know him to be the strongest man to ever have walked on Planet Earth. Despite his calm demeanor, he was a force to be reckoned with. He was the rock that gave our family the strength to keep moving forward. His advice and guidance will continue to keep pushing our family forward.

He aspired to be the father he never had. Little did he know he would become the ultimate father figure amongst his family and a great-great-great-grandfather. Although he only had 5 children of his own, many others saw him as a father figure to include his sisters, nieces, grandchildren and even family friends. He has always set the example to do what is right, to always help your fellow man when given the opportunity, and that there is no substitute for hard work and dedication. They don't make them like they used to. Johnny was a timeless classic.

Johnny was known for tackling any challenge that came his way. With the mind of an engineer, he transformed the house he purchased when he was 16 years old, into a home. It was the ultimate teaching tool. He took pride knowing his house was built on strong foundation figuratively and literally would be valued by his offspring who were volunteered or voluntold to assist in making necessary repairs, renovations, or basic maintenance. When it came to operating equipment, The Rainmaker was King of the Road. He could operate anything from a Peterbilt to a Polaris to a Harley. It was almost as if the equipment was an extension of himself.

Johnny was a believer. His daily routine consisted of waking up to the smell of homemade tortillas and followed by praying on the way to work with his wife and children. He always put God first in any plans that were made and had faith He would always guide him.

Johnny always dreamed of owning his own Peterbilt one day. That dream finally came true when he took a chance and invested in himself. Johnny bought his first Peterbilt and the rest was history. He built his business from the ground up and took pride in being the first in line in many jobs throughout his career. The Gonzalez Trucking legacy continues today through Pete and Veronica Gonzalez.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Linda Gonzalez, his children, Lisa Gonzalez from Hobbs, NM, Jesse James Gonzalez from Hobbs, NM, Billy Joe and spouse Scott Schnaubert from Hobbs, NM, Pete and spouse Veronica Gonzalez from Hobbs, NM, and Victoria Gonzalez and spouse Santos Vazquez from Stafford, VA; four siblings Elisa Rocha from Tularosa, NM, Jesse Garcia from Lovington, NM, Josie Cano from Denver, Colorado, and Raymond Cano from Limon, Colorado, 12 grandkids and numerous great grandkids, great-great grandkids, and one great-great-great grandchild. He was preceded in death by his mother Maria Cano and his siblings, Lupe Garcia, Pete Cano, and Michaela Pierda3.

Here's to the myth, the man, the legend, Mr. Johnny Gonzalez AKA "The Rainmaker." You will never be forgotten, and your legacy will continue now and to the end of time. Puro Gonzalez.