Gale was born on September 27, 1940, in Abbeville, Louisiana, to the late Wilton and Nella Falgout Nunez. He grew up in Delcambre, where he attended Delcambre High School and graduated with the Class of '58. It was during his high school years that Gale walked his sweetheart, Arlene, onto the field for Homecoming, marking the beginning of a lifelong love story. After four years of courtship, Gale and Arlene entered into Holy Matrimony, a union that spanned 64 years and blessed them with four children whom Gale cherished deeply.
Throughout his life, Gale was a dedicated husband and father who worked tirelessly to provide for his family. He began his professional journey with Tuboscope and Rex Milling before embarking on a career with Texaco, retiring from the oil and gas industry at the age of 55. Never one to stay idle, Gale then joined his brother-in-law in various handyman jobs, where his skills in carpentry and plumbing shone brightly.
Later, Gale found a calling that surprised him: working at Evangeline Funeral Home. There, he supported grieving families with compassion and care, becoming a comforting presence during their times of loss. His warm personality and genuine concern for others endeared him to many, forging lasting friendships beyond his professional duties.
Outside of work, Gale cultivated a passion for gardening, nurturing vegetables and tending to fig and persimmon trees that bore testament to his green thumb. He was known for his tinkering under the carport, a place where broken items found new life under his skilled hands. His children affectionately dubbed him a "Professional Piddler" for his inventive spirit and resourcefulness.
Above all else, Gale's greatest joy was his family. He supported his children in their academic and athletic pursuits, coached little league, filmed football games, and cheered on his grandchildren with unwavering pride. His love extended far beyond his immediate family, embracing his children's friends as his own.
We will do our best to live as he lived, giving himself to his faith, family and friends. We rejoice in knowing that we have the promise of eternal life and will one day be reunited with him in heaven. Until that very precious day, may you rest in peace. We love you.
Gale is survived by his devoted wife, Arlene Terrebonne Nunez; children Renell Nunez Romero (Beth), Francis Paul Nunez (Ann), and Griff Jude Nunez (Alberto); cherished grandchildren Kassie Duhon (Seth), Oliver Paul Nunez (Taylor David), and Parker Anthony Nunez; four precious great-grandchildren, Evangeline Marie Duhon, Luca Ryan Duhon, Charleigh Louise Nunez and Catherine Jane Nunez; and his brother and sister, Patrick Nunez (Mona) and Barbara Esponge (Roland).
In addition to his parents, Gale was preceded in death by his son, Kevin Anthony Nunez, and granddaughter, Maria Elizabeth Nunez.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at 11:00 am at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, with Fr. Buddy Breaux officiating. Gale will be laid to rest at the church mausoleum privately at a later date. Visitation will be held at Evangeline Funeral Home in Delcambre on Monday from 5:00 pm until 9:00 pm, with a Rosary service at 6:00 pm and will also resume on Tuesday from 8:00 am until 10:30 am dismissal.
Pallbearers honoring Gale's life will be Oliver Nunez, Parker Nunez, Alberto Lomeli, Seth Duhon, Scott Nunez, Chris Esponge, Kassie Duhon, and Tipper Esponge.
The family invites relatives and friends to share their memories and condolences at Gale's memorial page at www.evangelinedelcambre.com.
Evangeline Funeral Home of Delcambre is in charge of arrangements.
