Latest news with #MexicanAmericanVeteransAssociation
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Wichita Falls honors Ray Gonzalez with highway overpass name
WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL) — Wichita Falls City Council gave the green light for the southbound U.S. Highway 82 overpass to honor the late Ray Gonzalez. The designation will begin near Gonzalez's foreign car shop by Bridwell Street and McGregor Avenue. WATCH: WFISD Foundation awards $500 grants to teachers for classroom needs The Mexican American Veterans Association began the work to honor Gonzalez back in February. MAVA president Jose Villastrigo and Gonzalez' daughter Renae Gonzalez Murphy said it's an honor to see the city remember its veterans. 'It's a tribute to a life well-lived. A legacy of service and a symbol of the values that hold dear faith, perseverance, and community. Dad is proud to call Wichita Falls home. He loved the city, and served it with everything he had as a soldier, as a small business owner, and as a public servant.' Gonzalez-Murphy said. The resolution will now move to TxDOT officials to move forward with putting up the sign. 'He never sought recognition for his service or his sacrifice, but we know this moment would fill his heart with gratitude and pride,' Gonzalez-Murphy said. 'Thank you for persevering, for preserving his memory in a place that represents both his life's work and his lasting impact on the community.' according to Gonzalez Murphy; Gonzalez is the first Purple Heart recipient to be recognized in this way. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to
Yahoo
07-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Wichita Falls nonprofit aims to rename highway for late Hispanic leader
WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL) — A Wichita Falls nonprofit is working to rename the Southbound US Highway 82 flyover after Ray Gonzalez Jr. The Mexican American Veterans Association is in the process of honoring the ground-breaking leader. The nonprofit has support from former Wichita County Judge Woody Gossom and Mayor Tim Short. The Planning and Zoning Commission is set to hear from the group on Wednesday at 2 p.m. at the MPEC. If approved, the recommendation will head to city councilors. Gonzalez passed away in July 2021. The Old High and MSU graduate served in the Army in Vietnam. He was the first Hispanic to be elected to the Wichita County Commissioners Court. Serving from 2009 to 2016. He also served on the city council and became the first-ever Hispanic mayor pro-tem. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.