Santiago Gonzalez, Jr.

Sheriff Santiago Gonzalez, Jr., 55, of Sanderson, was called by our heavenly Father on March 2, 2022.  He was born November 24, 1966 in Chicago, Illinois to Santiago Gonzalez, Sr. and Maria Rafaela Garcia De Gonzalez. He was raised and spent most adolescence in Laredo, Texas.

Santiago graduated in 1988 with his degree in Criminal Justice. From there Santiago entered the Federal Training Center in Glynco, Georgia. It was here that he began to see the realization of his childhood dreams of becoming a Border Patrol Agent. He completed the rigorous training and with honor he became a Border Patrol Agent at the age of 22 and never looked back. He enjoyed working with the many legions of fellow agents. He will truly be remembered as a legend amongst the ranks of the Border Patrol for many years to come. He retired in 2018 with the distinguished rank of SBPA, GS-13 after 30 years of proudly wearing Border Patrol Green. Santiago then went on to put his name on the ballot for Terrell County Sheriff. In 2020, he officially began representing his many constituents as the county’s top law enforcement agent. Santiago will be remembered as a great man who gave his life in the service of his community.

We will dearly miss his hearty laugh, his boisterous voice, and even that look we got if we stepped out of line. “Un hijo ejemplar, un hermano ideal, un padre, y abuelo generoso, Buen esposo, y un magnifico amigo.” That is how family, friends, and colleagues alike would describe Santiago, as a good man, great company, and a faithful friend.

He is preceded in death by his father, Santiago Gonzalez, Sr.

Those left to honor and cherish his memory are, his loving mother, Maria Gonzalez; his beloved wife, Minerva Gonzalez; daughter, Melissa Uribe, and husband, Saul; son, Santiago Gonzalez, III; granddaughter, Mia Uribe; brother, Jose Luis Gonzalez; sister, Leticia Gonzalez; as well as many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, dear friends, and colleagues.