Samuel Bernard "Sammy" Nunez Jr.

Samuel Bernard "Sammy" Nunez, Jr.

Long-time Louisiana state legislator and former President of the Louisiana State Senate Samuel Bernard "Sammy" Nunez, Jr. passed away Sunday, January 15, 2012 of complications from pneumonia. The 81 year-old Plaquemines Parish resident served in the Louisiana State Legislature for over three decades beginning with his election to the Louisiana House of Representatives in 1964 and continuing with his election to the Louisiana Senate in 1969 until he completed his legislative service in 1996.

In 1980, Senator Nunez's colleagues chose him as Senate President Pro-Tempore. In 1982, they elected him Senate President, a position he held from 1982-1988 and again from 1990-1996 with additional service as President Pro-Tempore in the interim from 1988-1990.

During his tenure in the State Legislature, he served as a delegate to the Constitutional Convention of 1973 where he was responsible for the creation of the homestead exemption. He led efforts to reform the state's budget process with the establishment of the Revenue Estimating Conference in the State Constitution; authored legislation to create the SECURE Commission, a major streamlining government effort from 1993-1995; was instrumental in the construction of the Louisiana Superdome, the New Orleans Arena and the Ernest Morial Convention Center; and was the driving force in the push for the construction of the Crescent City Connection, Interstate-510 and the West Bank Expressway. He also promoted the development of the Nunez Community college, named in honor of his late wife Elaine P. Nunez; worked tirelessly to protect Louisiana's coast and the interests of the seafood and fisheries industry; and is credited with modernizing and streamlining the operations of the Louisiana Senate.

Sammy Nunez, Jr. was active in national legislative affairs and served as President of the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Southwest Energy Council. After leaving the legislature, he served on the board of commissioners of the Port of New Orleans from 2004-2009 holding the position of President in 2008.

Throughout his decades of public service, Sammy Nunez was considered a gentleman, a statesman and a peacemaker who crossed party lines to get things done for the people of Louisiana. He was a tireless, dedicated public servant who wanted nothing but the best for Louisiana and its citizens.

Sammy Nunez, Jr. was born on January 27, 1930. He graduated from Joseph Maumus High School and attended Louisiana State University, graduating with a bachelor's degree. He served in the United States Air Force from 1951-1955, participating in the Korean Conflict with honors.

The long-time operator and President of the Nunez Insurance Agency is survived by his wife Cynthia Wall Nunez, mother-in-law Minere Wall, sister-in-law Joni W. Watkins, niece Caroline Grace Watkins, sister-in-law Adele "Tudy" Nunez, nephew Hillary Nunez, and niece Christie Nunez. He is preceded in death by his wife Elaine P. Nunez, parents Sammy Nunez, Sr. and Leonia Nunez, and his brother Hillary Joseph "Tookie" Nunez.

Pallbearers will be Louisiana State Senate President John Alario, former State Senator Hank Lauricella, former State Representative Ken Odinet, Sr., St. Bernard Parish District Attorney Jack Rowley, former Jefferson Parish District Attorney John Mamoulides, retired Major of LA State Police Ken Curlee, George Kleinpeter and nephew Hillary Nunez.

Visitation will begin at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans until Mass of the Christian Burial at 1:30 p.m. officiated by Archbishop Gregory Michael Aymond. Burial follows at St. Bernard Memorial Gardens, 701 W. Virtue St., Chalmette, LA.

The family offers a special thank you to Sylvia Duke, Wilva Gross and Anna Rodriguez for their decades of love and support.

Greenwood Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Greenwood Funeral Home

New Orleans, LA