Abel Ramirez Gonzalez, an educator, university professor and business owner, resident of Brownsville, Texas, lost a 3-week battle of several complications on Sunday July 25, 2021. Abel is survived by his Life Partner, Sofia Munoz Esquivel; his children, Xavier Heberto Gonzalez (Silvia) and Erika Ileana Gonzalez Garza (Patricio, III); grandchildren, Christopher David Zavala (Taylor), Daniel Omar Zavala (Kassandra), Ercilia Victoria Garza (Alex Ryan Munoz), Clarissa Imelda Garza, Xavier Alejandro Gonzalez; great grandchild, Jayce Abel Zavala. Abel was born in Concepcion, Tx. On January 8, 1943 to Pablo Gonzalez and Francisca Ramirez and was raised on a humble farm in Ramirez, Tx. He graduated from Texas A&I University Kingsville in 1965 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Spanish, a Master of Science Degree in Education in 1969, “ABD” Doctor of Education in 1973 from the University of Houston and Doctor of Education in 2021 from the University of Charisma. He worked as a High School Spanish and Social Studies Teacher in Falfurrias, Tx, was a Director of Upward Bound and Instructor of Education at Texas A&I University Kingsville, Liaison Officer between the Pasadena, Tx ISD and Hispanic Community, Professor of Education and Field Based Education, was Director of several departments at the Pan American University / UT-Brownsville, served on numerous committees including Texas Education Agency and the State Board for Educator Certification which paved the way for the creation of the Alternative Certification Program in the state of Texas, was part of the committee that change the Texas Administrative Code to allowing foreign trained teachers to work in Texas, co-authored proposal, was the Director of and partnered with 3 others the Alternative Certification Program known as A-STEP, worked for Multicultural Education of Houston, Tx and wrote proposal to TEA for the creation of Worldwide Education Consultant Services, Inc. of which he was the President and Owner. Abel married Ercilia Cantu Saenz of Kingsville, Tx., whom he met while working on his bachelor’s degree at Texas A&I University Kingsville. They were married for 31 years until her death in 1996. He was a devoted husband and father to his 2 children, Xavier and Erika. He was a devout Catholic who helped the church for many years. His passion was multiculturalism and heling anyone in need. He loved spending his time outside with his garden and doing woodwork. He loved fishing and the outdoors. But what he loved most was spending time with family and friends in front of an open fire. Anyone who met him immediately fell in love with him because of his caring and loving demeanor. He was known for giving wonderful advice, especially to young adults preparing for their next chapter in life. He never forgot his humble beginnings and always taught his family to do the same. His famous words were “I am a rich man, not financially but by the love of my family!” He will be buried next to his wife, Ercilia Saenz Gonzalez at the Kingsville Resthaven Cemetery Visitation will be held Thursday July 29, 2021 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with a rosary at 7:00 p.m. at Thomae-Garza Funeral Home in San Benito. A funeral procession will depart Friday July 30, 2021, at 7:00 a.m. sharp to Kingsville, TX. where visitation will continue at 9:00 a.m. at St. Martin Catholic Church 715 N 8th St., Kingsville, TX 78363. Funeral Mass will then be held at 11:00 a.m. with interment to follow at Kingsville Resthaven 114, W Trant Rd, Kingsville, TX 78363. Honored to serve as pallbearers are: Patricio Garza, III, Xavier Alejandro Gonzalez, Christopher David Zavala, Daniel Omar Zavala, Johnny Saenz, Robert Esquivel and Ramon Gonzalez. All individuals are encouraged to social distance and wear face covers or masks. (May include bandanas or sewn or cloth face coverings). You may sign the online guestbook, light a remembrance candle, or send words of comfort to the family of Abel Ramirez Gonzalez at www.thomaegarza.com. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the care of Thomae-Garza Funeral Home and Crematorium, 395 S. Sam Houston, San Benito, Texas, (956) 399-1331.