Terry Louis "Butch" Nunez

Terry Louis Nunez “Butch” passed peacefully on Thursday, April 18, 2024, at the age of 77, after a courageous battle with his lungs/COPD.

Terry proudly served in Vietnam as an Army Captain and helicopter pilot (Bell UH-1 Iroquois) in the 238th Aerial Weapons Company. He was involved in 4 campaigns: Vietnam Summer/Fall Campaign 1969, Vietnam Winter/Spring Campaign 1970, Sanctuary Counter Offensive Campaign and Vietnam Counter Offensive Campaign VII. During these campaigns his outstanding acts of valor awarded him a Bronze Star, Air Medal and a second Air Medal with Combat Valor Device. Prior to being honorably discharged, he served as Commanding Officer at Fort Polk, La. He continued his love for flying as a fixed winged pilot, as well as being a lifelong member of the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association. In civilian life, he ventured into many careers from chef to real estate agent but ultimately retired from Lockheed Martin as a Senior Buyer for the external tank of the Space Shuttle.

He loved family time, especially when it involved being on the water, boating, fishing, duck hunting, cooking and travel. Terry was an award-winning skeet shooter and bass fisherman. Thanksgivings, hanging out in his kitchen, were the backdrop for generations of memories. He even had a short stent as a restaurant owner. “Café Nunez” fueled his passion for entertaining, conversation and good food. His family and friends would say his specialties were red beans and rice, gumbo, fried turkey and pork tenderloin. As the protector of the family, he would make himself available at the drop of a hat, and even drive hundreds of miles, when called upon. The memories of how Terry fed, entertained and protected his family and friends will be treasured forever.

Terry is preceded in death by his parents, Louise Cecile Pichon Nunez and Marcel Joseph Nunez, siblings, Sheila Ann (Nunez) Lacour and Marcel “Joey” Nunez.

Survived by his wife, Ann Hoyt (Stockton) Nunez, daughter Becky Reneé (Nunez) Wilhite, son-in-law Brandon Matthew Wilhite, stepchildren; Beth Segrave and Mark Luther, grandchildren; Tristian Mavrick Wilhite, Skylor Brock Wilhite, Linen Brooke Wilhite, Brandi Segrave, Malori Ann (Segrave) Kohn, Shelbi Elizabeth Segrave, Francesca Sophia Graham and great grandchildren; Morgan Claire Thibodeaux and Jenci Rynn Helton, siblings; Rena (Nunez) Duke, Tammy (Nunez) Miller and Jennifer Nunez, his godchildren Kim Wilkerson, Ricki Shepherd and Ray Anthony “Andy” Lacour III, as well as. many beloved nieces and nephews.

Family and Friends are invited to celebrate his life on Friday, May 3rd at 1:30 pm with graveside military honors at the Southern Louisiana Veterans Cemetery (34888 Grantham College Dr., Slidell), then, directly after, meeting at the North Shore Beach Firehouse (267 Debbie Dr., Slidell) to eat and share stories of his cherished life.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:
https://lickingriveroutfitters.org/about-us , a non-profit organization that provides outdoor opportunities / hunting for wounded warriors and veterans. Terry benefited from the generosity of this organization and loved his experience.