The United Way of South Texas Board of Directors proudly announced the late Larry C. Gonzalez of PlainsCapital Bank as the 2025 South Texas Hero during the Volunteer & Company Awards Ceremony held on April 1, United Way was also celebrating 20 Years of South Texas Heroes. Mr. Gonzalez, a respected leader and former United Way Board Chairman, was honored for his lasting impact and dedication to the community. His family accepted the award on his behalf, as more than 200 community leaders, partners, and guests gathered to recognize his legacy.
The South Texas Hero Award is a distinguished recognition that is presented to an individual who demonstrates unwavering commitment and exceptional leadership in the community through dedicated engagement in year-round service projects.
“Our family always knew how deeply he loved the Rio Grande Valley and how much of himself he quietly gave through both his work and service,” son of the late Larry C. Gonzalez, Laurence Gonzalez said. “The United Way South Texas Hero award feels like a ‘we saw you and thank you’ from his community and peers – an honor our family will carry with us always.”
The late Mr. Gonzalez served as the 2025 Board Chairman, a United Way Board Member for three years and as Finance Co-Chair for two years, bringing valuable leadership and insight to the organization. He was a proud Texas A&M University graduate, with 40 years of commercial banking experience and was known for empowering individuals with the knowledge and resources needed to achieve financial stability and success. His dedication to service was reflected in his extensive involvement with numerous organizations, including United Way of South Texas, the Rio Grande Valley Partnership, the Starr County Industrial Foundation, Our Lady of Sorrows, and several local Chambers of Commerce. Through his lifelong commitment to service and community impact, he helped further United Way’s mission of improving lives by mobilizing the caring power of the community to advance the common good.
The South Texas Hero award was established in 2008 in honor of Ray Alexander, retired General Manager of KRGV TV 5. He was instrumental in leading and strengthening collaborations between United Way of South Texas and other nonprofits. He also worked with United Way of South Texas to launch the Rio Grande Valley’s “211” Information and Referral program, now known as the Community Council of the RGV.
Several former South Texas Hero recipients, including the company they represented when they were recognized, are as follows: Gerardo Paz, Riverside Compliance Group; Blanca I. Villalobos, IBC Bank; Tyler Stone, Rioco Partners; John Herrera, Magic Valley Electric Co-op (retired); Dr. Marla Guerra, South Texas ISD (retired); Adrian Villarreal, IBC Bank; Lee Jones, AEP Texas (retired); Steve Ahlenius, McAllen Chamber of Commerce; Joe Vera, III †, City of McAllen; Commissioner “Eddie” Cantu, Hidalgo County Precinct 2; and H-E-B.
About United Way:
United Way of South Texas invests in programs that address critical community needs in the areas of Healthy Communities, Youth Opportunities, Financial Security, and Community Resiliency. Through partnerships with more than 21 local nonprofit agencies, United Way supports services that reach over 200,000 residents across the region. Services provided through United Way of South Texas partner agencies include emergency shelter, family violence counseling, character-building programs, and infant stimulation classes. Community members who wish to support United Way programs may do so through a tax-deductible monetary donation by mailing a check to United Way of South Texas, P.O. Box 187, McAllen, TX 78505-0187.