Joseph "Sunny" Eli Landry Jr.

Joe (Sunny) Landry, 90, of Beaumont, Texas passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 1st, 2026. He was born in Port Arthur, Texas on October 24, 1935, to Joseph Eli Landry Sr. (Sunny was a Jr.) and Edith Baker Landry.

Sunny was an Army veteran and a retired automotive dealership owner and car salesman. Throughout his career, he earned numerous awards and accolades, but his greatest pride was not in sales – it was in people.

He helped raise five boys (and four dogs) and made every effort to attend their sporting events and activities, typically with his camera and multiple lenses in tow. Family always came first.

Earlier in life, Sunny could be a little rough around the edges, but through faith and deep study of the Bible – which he read cover to cover several times – he transformed into a kinder, more spiritually grounded man. Though the “old Sunny” occasionally surfaced, his heart was always centered on helping others.

Sunny devoted much of his life to guiding people through his work in Understanding Yourself and Others (UYO), his hypnotherapy practice, and countless one-on-one conversations. He listened without judgement and always offered encouragement, often grounded in spiritual wisdom.

Even into his late 80s and at age 90, Sunny loved picking up friends for meals – usually Whataburger for biscuits and gravy or Taco Bell for chicken wraps – or a proper dinner of Italian food or a good steak. He cherished being around people and took pride in both the size and depth of his friendships.

Helping others was his calling. Whether it was giving someone a ride, fixing a car, offering guidance, or simply showing up when needed, Sunny was always there – even for those who didn’t ask.

In the end, he beat the odds, just as he always had. One of the toughest men around, he left this world only when he and God decided it was time. He will always be deeply loved and remembered.

A celebration of life will be announced and held at a later date.

Sunny is survived by his sons Joe Landry III (Sunny Joe), Christopher Howell, Richard Landry, Shawn Landry, and Jason Landry; his self-proclaimed favorite granddaughter Keeli Landry-Yowman; his “like a son” Coleman Roddy; along with numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter.