E. Garner Nunez

Garner Nunez, 87, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 8, 2024, in Lake Charles, LA. He was born on August 5, 1936, in Grand Chenier, LA, to Lee Robert, Sr. and Emma Claire Taber Nunez. After graduating from Grand Chenier High School in 1954 he earned his BS in Business Administration from McNeese State University. He wed the love of his life, Nancy Joyce Precht in 1958, they shared 66 years of devoted marriage.

Garner was a licensed Boat Captain and Private Fixed Wing and Rotor Pilot. After college Garner captained the boat, True Friend 2 for Nunez Boat Service, created by the 3 Nunez brothers and their Dad.

Garner began his career with the Cameron Parish Police Jury located in the Cameron Parish Courthouse in 1962, first as Treasurer and then as Parish Administrator.  During his 29 years of public service, he facilitated the creation of Recreation Centers, Gravity Drainage Districts, Public Waterworks, Parish-Wide Fire Departments, Parish Libraries, Parish-Wide Road and Bridge Maintenance, Closure and Monitoring of Open Dump Sites and creation of Parish-Wide Solid Waste Facilities. He was a member of the Louisiana Police Jury Association. Garner then worked as Operations Manager for Crain Brothers Construction until retiring in 1997. Garner served on the Jeff Davis Electric Co-op Board for 54 years. He was instrumental in leading as President of the Board through the rough times like Hurricanes Rita, Ike, Laura and Delta. Also, with the rebuilding and upgrading of the Main Transmission Line feeding Cameron Parish that will be critical in providing reliable electricity to Cameron Parish which in turn helps all of JDEC. He also navigated tough financial times by switching JDEC’s main bank from RUS to CFC saving thousands of dollars. Garner served 69 years in the Cameron #439 Masonic Lodge. He served many years as the Treasurer for The LA Fur and Wildlife Festival. Also, Garner was a member of the Lion’s Club and the Louisiana Democratic Executive Committee. Garner enjoyed his time in the outdoors whether it be hunting, fishing or time away at his camp in Toledo Bend with the people he loved.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved brother Thomas Milton Nunez, sister-in-law Bobbye Nunez and great-grandson Kaiden.  He is survived by his wife, Nancy, daughter Nancy Claire Nunez Boudreaux, and husband Tommy, son Robert “Robbie” Garner Nunez, and daughter Rebecca “Becky” Lynn Nunez Hebert, and husband Kevin. He is also survived by his brother, Lee Robert Nunez, Jr.; and his grandchildren, J. Neil Boudreaux, Bethany Boudreaux, Tyler Hebert, Lauren Hebert, Lucas Hebert, Jamie Parker, Garrett Billiot, Justin Billiot and Heather Billiot. He was also blessed with great-grandchildren: Jaxon Boudreaux, Cohen Hebert, Hazel Ballou, Karter Ballou, Miller Billiot and Landry Billiot.

His funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, June 15, 2024, in Johnson Funeral Home of Lake Charles Chapel. Pastor Kris Howerton will officiate. Burial will follow in Sweetlake-Grand Lake Cemetery under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 11:00 AM until the start of service at 1:00 PM.

Garner’s grandsons, nephews and great-grandson will serve as pallbearers: J. Neil Boudreaux, Jaxon Boudreaux, Tyler Hebert, Lucas Hebert, Garrett Billiot, David Lee Savoie and Andre Savoie.

The family would like to give special thanks to MD Anderson Cancer Center, Dr. Michael Bergeron and his staff – LCMH and Harbor Hospice for their compassionate care.