Richard "Cheetah" Gonzales, 54 of Plainview, passed away Tuesday, July 1, 2025, in Lubbock. Funeral Mass for Mr. Gonzales will be at 2:00pm, Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Plainview. A viewing will be held on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at 4:00pm until 8:00pm, with a Holy Rosary being recited at 6:00pm, at Lemons Memorial Chapel. Cremation services are held under the care of Lemons Funeral Home in Plainview.

Richard was born in Hidalgo, Texas on February 18, 1971, to Serapio Gonzales and Sylvia Rodriguez. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Plainview.

Richard was known to many as a big bear, known for his hugs. He had a warm smile, and was kind, loving, and the life of the party. He never knew a stranger. He also had a bougie style of his own; he was a color coordinator, decorator, chef, artistic and a thrifty shopper.

Richard could make anyone smile with his kind words. He will be missed by all those who knew and loved him.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Sylvia Baca, stepfather, Susano Baca, maternal grandmother, Adela Rodriguez, and several aunts and uncles.

Richard is survived by his dad, Serapio Gonzales,  his brother, Christopher Lee Gonzales (Dione) of Charlston, NC, and their children, Vanessa Gonzales, Vincent Sanchez, JoJo Gonzales, Jade Luna and Camryn and Leanna Goff; his two sisters, Sepriana Gonzales, of Plainview, and her children, Sarah Portillo, Josh and Angel Pena and Dale Ann Carrasco (Emmitt), of Plainview, Texas, and their children, Emelio "Elo" Gonzales, Dee Ann Bueno, Isaiah Carrasco, and Kamille Carrasco.