Mr. Valentin Gonzalez, 85, of Accomac, died on Monday, Nov. 25, 2024. Known to all by his nickname, “Speedy” was born in Vanderbilt, Texas, on Feb. 14, 1939. He was the third born (and first surviving) child of Santos and Gerarda (DeLeon) Gonzalez.
Baptized at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Inez, Texas, Speedy spent his childhood in Texas and Florida before volunteering for the U.S. Army, serving in Germany during the Berlin Crisis. He led a colorful life as a musician and nightclub owner before settling on Virginia’s Eastern Shore. He ran his business, Speedy’s Auto Body, for nearly 30 years before retiring. Speedy was a man who loved entertaining, and in his later years, he enjoyed tinkering on cars, watching old Westerns, and the companionship of his pup, Ginger. Speedy was most proud of his service to his country in the U.S. Army, but it was his beloved grandson, Jamison, that brought him his most joy.
He is survived by his daughter, Lisa Tucker, of Orlando, Fla., and his son and grandson, Tino and Jamison Gonzalez, of Hudson, Fla. He is also survived by two sisters, three brothers, and many nieces and nephews.
A mass of Christian burial was held at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Onley on Saturday, Nov. 30, at 11 a.m., with Father Michael Imperial officiating. Interment followed in Edgehill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Speedy’s name to the Eastern Shore SPCA, P.O. Box 164, Onley, VA 23418, http://www.shorespca.com
Memory tributes may be shared with the family at
www.williamsfuneralhomes.com
Arrangements were by the Williams-Parksley Funeral Home.
