Felipe (Phil) Gonzalez

Felipe “Phil” Gonzalez, 72 years of age, passed away peacefully in Columbia S.C. on January 22, 2017 after a long fight with cancer.

Phil was the devoted husband of Betty Ruth Crapps Gonzalez for thirty-seven years. He has three step-children: Linda (Gerald) Baker, Teresa (James) Moriarity, and Donna (Thomas) Teuber. He has four living grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. Two of his grandchildren preceded him in death.

He was born in Lorain, Ohio in January of 1944, son of the late Apolinar and Soledad (Diaz) Gonzalez. Siblings are Trina Sanders, Mina (Ray) Fortier, Pedro (Chach), Paul, Margaret Blauvelt, and Joe (Gail) Gonzalez. He was preceded in death by his brother, Ralph.

He graduated from Admiral King High School, Loran Ohio, in 1962, and served in the United States Air Force as an airplane electrician in the 507th Air Support Squadron from 1965 until honorably discharged in 1969.

His confirmation was at Sacred Heart Church in Lorain, and he was later a member of First Baptist Church in Columbia, SC, where he and Betty were long-time members of the Joy of Living Sunday School Class.

He was employed by Springs Mills, Carolina Steel & Wire, and retired from the Bose Corporation.

His hobbies included spending time with grandchildren, gardening, watching baseball, and tinkering with tools and equipment.

His favorite Hymn -- the last he requested -- was “Amazing Grace.” He passed from this world into the next with a thankful heart.

The family would like to thank the fine doctors and nursing staff at Palmetto Baptist for their care in his last days.

He will be laid to rest at the Fort Jackson National Cemetery with military honors on the ninth of February at 2:00pm. Family, friends, and relatives are invited to attend the ceremony.