Dr. Rafael M. Gomez, retired full bird colonel of the USAF, age 85, passed away peacefully at his home in Ft. Walton Beach, FL on July 12. Rafael was born in Manhattan, New York on September 30, 1931. He is preceded in death by his father Manual, his mother Lily, his loving wife Thelma, son Rafael Carlos, and granddaughter Brooke. He is survived by his children Manny, Pepe, Maria, Tony, their spouses Lynne, Cindy, Ron, and Lisa, respectively, eight grandchildren Miranda, Mandy, Celestina, Angel, Lexi, Carli, Juan, and Manual, one great grandchild Julian, also Rafael’s brother Puruco Gomez and his family. After 20 years of service in the U.S Air Force, Rafael continued to serve his community for another 30 years as a physician, as that was his gift and calling in life. He was a very respected and well-loved Doctor touching the lives of many people. He treated all his patients as friends and his bedside manner could not be matched. He enjoyed fishing and was a fan of bull fighting, soccer, baseball, and boxing. He was blessed with a beautiful voice and sang in the community, church choirs, and everywhere he went. With all that said, family was always the most important thing to him. He was a wonderful and loving father. He was always the happiest around his kids and grandkids.
He was a human encyclopedia when it came to his knowledge of life. If you ever had a question about anything, he always had the answer. It was always entertaining to hear all the beautiful stories of his life. Services are being held Monday July 17th at McLaughlin Mortuary at 17 Chestnut Ave SE Ft Walton Beach. Visitation is 10 to 11 with service at 11 and graveside services immediately following at Beal Memorial Cemetery with Full Military Honors. In lieu of flowers please donate to your favorite charity or to the Children’s Advocacy Center 401 McEwan Dr, Niceville, FL 32578. Love Eternally, Your Family
Expressions of love and sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at www.mclaughlinmortuary.com

 

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