Johnnie Gamboa Jr.

Johnnie Gamboa, Jr., 75, of Spring, Texas passed away at home Wednesday, January 6, 2016 surrounded by his loving family. He was born on September 28, 1940 in Waco, Texas to Johnnie and Mary Gamboa. Johnnie is survived by his loving wife of 28 years, Diana Gamboa; Brother-in-law, Douglas Dickson: sons, Ray Miller, Jeff Miller and wife, Rosa, Robbie Miller, Ryan Miller, and Nicholas Gamboa; daughters, Dr. Elizabeth (Gamboa) Paschinyk and husband Rob, Jacqueline (Gamboa) Wall and husband, David, and Denise Miller; 19 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; and numerous other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents and son, Johnnie (John-John) Gamboa III. Johnnie attended Baylor University in Waco and began his working career at Lacey Feeds of Waco until he was hired at the Waco Post Office. In 1980, Johnnie was part of the zip code team that created our zip codes until he transferred to the Conroe Post Office in 1981, as the managing Supervisor of Mails. Both, Johnnie and his wife, Diana, became well known advocates for Postal Workers throughout the entire Postal Service. Johnnie retired from the post office in 1992. In 1999, Johnnie began working for Lowes Home Improvement Center in the appliance department. Johnnie was well known by his customers who returned again and again because of his caring customer service. Johnnie would want to thank Lowes for all the wonderful consideration shown to him during his illness. Johnnie began his fight against cancer in June of 2008. Johnnie had four surgeries and multiple courses of chemotherapy and radiation in his fight against this disease. Johnnie was truly a warrior in this battle and did not let it stop him from returning to work each time or going on any of their travels. December of 2014, doctors told him he should retire from work and work on his “bucket list”. Johnnie and Diana traveled to Florida, Iowa, Colorado and Florida again, traveling 10,000 miles by car. December 2015, Johnnie and Diana made their last trip together to their Florida home before returning home to Texas. Johnnie was a consummate fisherman and taught his son, Nicholas, this same love. Their other sons also loved to fish with Johnnie. Johnnie loved to play the lottery and go to the casinos, watch baseball games and football games. Johnnie and Diana always watched the Houston Astros games together. Johnnie played semi-pro baseball in his younger years and was a noted “exceptional” catcher. Johnnie was a founder of the Waco Missions Recreational Club where he participated in teaching college students from Baylor, Texas A & M, UT Austin about baseball. He loved to teach baseball in youth league baseball and was known for his calm and cool demeanor during the games. Johnnie’s greatest love in sports was the “Cowboys”, “America’s Team” as he would say. He has his truck tricked out in Cowboy decorations and decals. He had his Cowboy blanket and slippers as well as other clothing items. Johnnie loved his Cowboys. As the grandchildren began coming, Johnnie truly enjoyed interacting with them. Johnnie, known as “Pop” to them, was truly loved and cherished by all of the grandchildren. Johnnie would take any opportunity to teach life lessons to our young people. Johnnie commanded respect from people of all ages and was loved by people of all ages which was evidenced by all his many friends. Johnnie always had a smile and positive attitude and never met a stranger. Johnnie’s graciousness to people is unsurpassed and recognized by all that were blessed to cross his path.