Louie Edward Nagy's Obituary
Louie Edward “Sonny” Nagy
Born on January 17, 1939, in Logan, West Virginia. Raised in Amarillo, Texas. Sonny peacefully went home to Jesus on November 15, 2024.
Sonny is survived by his wife, Linda, of 32 years. By four children with Glenda Smyth: Nelda Chimienti, Beverly Lein (George), Ed Nagy (Ronwyn), and Karen Henley (Colby). By two children with Harloe Vaughan: Nichol Reyes (Felipe) and Stephanie Palmer. Three stepsons: Denny, Michael, and Steven Vaughan. Four nephews: Keith, Kevin, Prentice, and Jared Berry. Sonny was blessed with 24 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
He is predeceased by his mother Mary T. Nagy, father Louie Nagy, stepfather Julius W. Nagy, and sister Julia Berry. He is also predeceased by his three beloved cats Harry, Willie, and Mike.
Sonny worked at the Southern Pacific/Union Pacific Railroad for 37 years, retiring in 2001. He lived in New Mexico, Texas, Arizona, Colorado, California, and Nebraska during his years with the railroad. Sonny made many life-long friends everywhere he lived. He moved to Oro Valley when he and Linda retired from the railroad.
Before joining the railroad, Sonny managed a drive-in restaurant in Amarillo, Texas. He was also the head chef at restaurants in Texas and New Mexico. One of Sonny’s specialties was mouthwatering chicken fried steak with mashed potatoes (no lumps) and delicious gravy. He loved to grill and eat a good steak (even grilling outside in the snow). Sonny was a natural born cook and took pleasure in cooking for his family and friends.
Sonny was a fan of the Dallas Cowboys and the Arizona Wildcats. His favorite musical artists were Queen and Journey, and we can’t forget Elvis. He loved gambling at casinos, watching game shows, and reading his newspaper with his morning coffee.
He was an expert bird feeder – just ask all the birds in Oro Valley. On the bird menu were donut holes, bread, and boring bird seed. Sonny was an accomplished high school athlete, avid fisherman, and water skier. His favorite subjects in school were PE and lunch. He loved bragging to his children and grandchildren about being the “ping pong champion” of Muleshoe, Texas (he never lived in Muleshoe, Texas).
Sonny was truly a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend. He could light up a room by simply smiling. He was funny, charming, fun loving, and loved the simple things in life. Everyone that knew Sonny loved him.
John 13:34 “Love One Another” was one of Sonny’s favorite verses. He quoted this passage to his children throughout his life. Please honor Sonny by following the Golden Rule and loving one another.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at 12 noon at Oro Valley Baptist Church, 700 E. Palisades Road, Oro Valley, Arizona 85737. Pastor Daniel Ligon will officiate the service. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Pima Animal Care Center, St. Jude’s Children’s Research, or Oro Valley Baptist Church.
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