Henry was born on December 15, 1944 in Weslaco, Texas to Tobias and Eluteria (Bustamante) Gonzales. He attended school in Weslaco. He married Paula Guerrero in 1967 in Plainview.

Henry worked for years as a jack of all trades. He worked with his brother painting houses. He enjoyed landscaping also. He was a good welder as well and took pride in creating things and working with his hands. His greatest feeling of accomplishment came from doing ranch work; everything from planting cotton to harvesting. Henry is remembered as being a jokester who enjoyed giving people a hard time. He loved music. His taste was so diverse including Ray Charles, The Temptations, Neil Diamond, Elvis Presley, Freddy Fender and his all-time favorite, Don Williams.

He was preceded in death by 3 brothers , Jose Gonzales, Eluterio Gonzales and Israel Gonzales; two sisters, Elisia Gonzales and Belen Cruz and several nephews.

Survivors include his wife Paula, of the home; 2 sons, Michael Gonzales and wife Beatrice, of Abilene and Henry Gonzales, Jr. of Amarillo; 3 granddaughters and 2 great-grandsons. He is also survived by 5 brothers, Ignacio Gonzales, Tobias Gonzales, Lupe Gonzales, Martin Gonzales and Tony Gonzales and 1 sister, Janie Gonzales.