Sammy Sanchez Gonzales, 78, of Lubbock, Texas, passed away peacefully on September 21, 2026. He was born on June 21, 1948, in Greeley, Colorado, to Eutimio and Uldarica Gonzales. He graduated from Lubbock High School before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps and serving his country during the Vietnam War. 

Sammy was honored with the Purple Heart for his service and sacrifice to his country. His love for his country, his family, and his faith remained an important part of who he was throughout his life. 

Sammy was united in marriage to the love of his life, Juanita Ysasaga Gonzales, with whom he shared many years of marriage with. Juanita preceded him in death in June of 2020. Their love and the family they built together remained one of Sammy’s greatest legacies. 

A hardworking and independent man, Sammy worked for himself and owned and operated a commercial cleaning company. He also spent many years working alongside and helping his son in his businesses. Sammy was the kind of person who was always willing to lend a hand, share what he knew, and show up for the people he loved. 

His faith was another defining part of his life. Sammy was a talented gospel singer and musician who performed alongside his brothers. Their group began as "The Young Disciples" and later became "Crystal River", traveling and sharing the Word of God through music. Sammy sang and played the trumpet, using his God-given gifts to bring joy and faith to people wherever their music took them. 

But perhaps Sammy’s greatest joy was simply being with his family. 

When he wasn’t working, traveling, singing, or spending time with his brothers, you could often find Sammy surrounded by his grandchildren, watching television, telling stories, laughing, or sharing a snack. He had a particular fondness for chicharrones, Planters peanuts, and a cold Diet Dr Pepper. He never needed anything extravagant to be happy—being surrounded by the people he loved was more than enough. 

Sammy had a way of making people feel welcome, and he was known for being a friend to everyone he met. He never knew a stranger. His humor, stories, music, and larger-than-life personality will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. 

Sammy is survived by his children, Darleen Gonzales and Samuel Gonzales; his grandchildren, Stephen Zuniga, married to Sophia Zuniga; Aryanna Zuniga; Adrian Zuniga; Kynzeigh Gonzales, engaged to Alex Garcia; Sami Gonzales; and Angelina Zuniga; and his great-grandchildren, Caleb Zuniga, Kylie Zuniga, Zaideez Guzman, D’Angelo Guzman, Gianni Garcia, Xander Zuniga, Sofi Zuniga, and Tori Zuniga. 

He is also survived by his stepmother Ella Gonzales and his siblings, Rev. Eutimio Jr. Gonzales; Sylvester Gonzales and wife, Felicia; Edward Gonzales and wife, Carol; Abel Gonzales; Joel Gonzales and wife, Brenda; Carlos Gonzales and wife, Billie; Hector Gonzales and wife, Minerva; and Johnny Gonzales and wife, Marina. 

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Juanita Ysasaga Gonzales; his parents, Eutimio Gonzales Sr. and Uldarica Gonzales; his aunts, Emilia Gonzales and Otilia Gonzales; his siblings, Elodia “Laly” Gonzales and Ernesto Gonzales; and sister in law Gloria Gonzales.

The Gonzales family would also like to extend their gratitude to Christine Ramirez, Sammy’s care taker who deeply cared for him through his last years of life.

Sammy leaves behind a legacy of faith, music, service, hard work, laughter, and, above all, a family who loved him deeply. His life was measured not only by the years he lived, but by the people he loved, the lives he touched, the music he shared, and the memories he created. 

Though he will be deeply missed, his voice, his laughter, his stories, and the love he gave so freely will continue to live on through his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family, and all those who knew and loved him. 

The family will received friends from 4:00-6:00 pm, Sunday, September 27, 2026, at Venue on Broadway. Services are scheduled for 10:00 am, Monday, September 28, 2026 at Venue on Broadway with burial to follow at the West Texas State Veterans Cemetery.