George Prendiz Gonzales passed away October 21 at the age of 66 after living most of his life in Sanger.

George was born to the late Irene Prendiz and Tirso Gonzales on Nov. 28, 1955 in Sanger.

In 1957, he moved with his parents and the rest of his siblings to Azusa where he attended Paramount Elementary School. After his father died and his mother remarried in 1966, they returned to Sanger, where he graduated from Washington Junior High and attended Sanger High. He later worked as a carpenter at various construction companies, including CBB – his stepfather's corporation – where he got his start and learned his trade.

Throughout his youth and beyond, George was a faithful member of the Sanger Apostolic Church and got baptized in the name of Jesus Christ at a young age. He also attended Life Tabernacle and Calvary Christian Fellowship in Sanger.

Even as years passed, George never forgot the Lord and could often be heard singing the Spanish gospel hymns he learned in his younger days — songs that warmed his heart and everyone else's too.

Whoever encountered George – business owners, friends, family or the casual acquaintance –  would find him with a smile, telling a joke or two or just sharing a silly story. That's just the way George was - a kind-hearted, friendly and lively soul. There was never a dull moment with George. He loved life and people, especially his sons and grandchild who meant the world to him.

Despite his struggles in life, those challenges never took away his kindness, smile or song. We will miss him greatly.

George is preceded in death by his mother, Irene Prendiz, his father, Tirso Gonzales, and his brothers, Richard, Robert (Bobby) and Gilbert Gonzales. He is survived by his sons, Anthony Bernal of Sanger and Alec Gonzales of Fresno; grandson, Melakai Bernal; daughter-in-law, Melinda Pecina-Bernal; sisters, Alice Garcia of Oakland, Sandra Gonzales of Oakland and Irene Kayaian of Clovis; brothers, Isaias and Ray Cuevas, both of Sanger; and many nieces and nephews.

Services will be held 11 a.m. Thursday Nov. 3 at Annadale Baptist Church, 1511 14th Street in Sanger, followed by a graveside ceremony at Sanger District Cemetery 568 S Rainbow Route, Sanger.