Alfred Gonzales Espinosa Jr.

Obituary for Alfred Gonzales Espinosa, Jr.

Alfred Gonzales Espinosa, Jr., of Dayton, Texas, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on September 2, 2025, in Humble, Texas. He was 70 years old.

Born on January 5, 1955, in Houston, Texas, Alfred was the beloved son of Alfredo Espinosa and Alberta Ryan. He grew up in Houston and attended M.B. Smiley High School.

A devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend, Alfred lived a full and faithful life. He worked as an elevator mechanic and retired from the National Elevator Industry, a career he took great pride in. For the past 43 years, he made his home in Dayton with his wife of 52 years, Betty Espinosa, where together they raised their family.

A man deeply rooted in his faith, Alfred loved the Lord with all his heart. He was the current pastor at Meeker Baptist Church in Beaumont, Texas and had previously worshipped at Kenefick Southern Baptist Church. Known for his deep knowledge of Scripture and his love of teaching God’s word, Alfred led countless Bible studies and was a mentor to many in their spiritual journeys. He was known to travel across the country just to hear a good preacher, always seeking to grow in his faith. One of Alfred's greatest joys was fellowshipping and spending time with his family and friends.

Alfred was a generous, humorous, and kind-hearted man who never met a stranger. He had a talent for carpentry and enjoyed remodeling projects around his home. He also had a passion for riding motorcycles and loved traveling the open road.

He is preceded in death by his parents and two of his brothers, Eddie Espinosa and John Cravero.

Alfred is survived by his loving wife, Betty Espinosa; daughters, Tonya Espinosa Smith and Joni Espinosa Thrift; brothers, Allen Espinosa and wife Cindy, Adam Espinosa and wife Terri, and Tommy Cline and wife Jackie; sister, Ramona Espinosa; grandchildren, Mazy Black, Zoey Smith, Lana Smith, and Slade Smith; great-grandchild, Mazelynn Lavergne; along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.

A visitation will be held on Friday, September 5, 2025, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Pace Stancil Funeral Home in Dayton. A celebration of Alfred’s life will take place on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Kenefick Southern Baptist Church in Dayton, with Pastor Jeff Day officiating.

Serving as pallbearers will be Jess Walters, Timothy Smith, Michael Fowler, Bradly Espinosa, Eddy Espinosa, Corbyn Cravero, and Steven Fowler. Honorary pallbearers include David Smith, Johnny Minx, Ronnie Greer, Johnny Pounders, Anthony Pounders, and Bruce Bradley.