The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

Remy J. Sonnier, of Orange, passed away suddenly at his home on Friday, March 29. Funeral services will be at 3:00 pm, Wednesday, April 3, at Claybar Funeral Home Chapel in Orange. Officiating will be Brother Herb Thompson of First Baptist Church in West Orange, and grandson, Michael Darren Procella. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens near Bridge City. Visitation will be from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm, Wednesday, at the funeral home.

Born in Forked Island, La., on November 2, 1934, Remy was the son of Saul Sonnier and Etta (Kershaw) Sonnier. He was proud of his Cajun heritage and kept their traditions alive by speaking French, and often cooking good Cajun food. Remy served in the United States Navy Corps and worked overseas with Brown and Root in the Oversea’s Marine Division. He loved all sports, including horse racing. In fact, Remy owned his own race horses. He enjoyed many football, baseball, basketball, soccer games, and other events his grandchildren participated in. Nothing gave Remy more joy than to be needed. He lived his life to be able to assist those he dearly loved.

He loved his wife, Karen Smith, and his extended family for over 29 years.

In fact, he claimed to have five daughters, 10 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and three step-grandchildren.

He was known as PawPaw Remy at home and around town.

He joyfully played Santa clause at his grandsons Christmas party to which Josh questioned “Why is Santa Clause driving PawPaw’s car?” He was a humble and faithful Servant at First Baptist Church of West Orange.

He served in many areas of his church that he loved so much.

He was proud to watch and listen to his wife, Karen, play the piano every Sunday.

Above all, Remy loved the Lord, his Savior.

He told his wife Friday morning that “Today was a special day.” She replied “of course, it’s Good Friday.” He replied, “Sunday would be even more special.”

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Christa Mae Sonnier; and sister, Linda Badeaux.

Remy is survived by his wife, Karen Smith; daughter, Sophia Ranolls; step-daughters, who he loved as his own, Pam Hinds, Claudette Lalonde, Tommilyn Procella, and Cyndi Khoury; grandchildren, Remi Cobb, Eric Fisher, Marcus Lalonde II, David Hinds Jr., Brandi Claybar, Michael Procella, April Thompson, Brittany Lemoine, Joey and Josh Khoury; step-grandchildren, Emily and Peyton Ranolls, and Emily Lemonine; brother, Ravis Sonnier; and sister, Glenda Hebert. He relished the love and hugs from his “great”-grandchildren, Keaton and Jayden Khoury, Kade Bouillion, Ledger and Knox Hinds, Julia Fisher, and Jett Claybar.

Serving as pallbearers will be his grandsons, Eric, Marcus, Joey, Josh, David Jr., and Michael. Honorary pallbearers will be Brian Broussard, Ravis Sonnier, A.C. Hebert, Jessie Bonnin, Dr. Jimmy Broussard, Dr. Peverly Broussard, Earl Toupe, Cleon Hogan, Joe Touchet, John Girlinghouse, and John Brasso.