Nathan Hanzy, Sr.

Nathan “Nate” Hanzy Sr., 77, a native of Gibson, Louisiana, and longtime resident of Gray, Louisiana, was born on March 27, 1949, to Elijah Hanzy Sr. and Lorenia Johnson Hanzy. A devoted Christian, Nathan was a proud member of Mt. Olive Baptist Church, where he faithfully served as a Deacon and was a cherished member of the Male Chorus. He honorably served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War and was a hardworking and dedicated man who spent many years employed at Avondale Shipyard before retiring. Nathan passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 6, 2026.

Nathan found joy in life’s simplest pleasures—a good meal, time with family, the peace of the outdoors, and, of course, a fishing pole in his hand. He LOVED to fish! He also had a deep love for sports and spent many years coaching youth in basketball and baseball. To many, he was affectionately known simply as “Coach.” Whether he was spending time with family, enjoying a good meal, cheering on a game, or sitting outdoors at his favorite fishing hole, Nathan knew how to appreciate the moments that made life special. His warmth, humor, hardworking spirit, and genuine love for life made him special to all who knew him. He leaves behind a beautiful reminder to slow down, cherish your loved ones, and appreciate the little things that make life meaningful.

Nathan leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Joyce Lee Hanzy; his sons, Nathan Hanzy Jr. (LaDondra) and Armond Hanzy; his grandchildren, Tre Hanzy, Nathan Hanzy III, Michel'le Nixon, Ja’Nae Hanzy, and Ja’Mize Hanzy; his great-grandchild, Tyrone Hanzy; his brother, Elijah Hanzy Jr. (Cheryl); his sisters, Louise Joseph and Orelia Turner (Clarance); his sisters-in-law, Gail Hanzy and Shelia Hanzy; and his brother-in-law, Don Johnson.

He was preceded in death by his son, Christopher Jamar Hanzy; his granddaughter, Ja’Miri Marie Hanzy; his parents, Elijah Hanzy Sr. and Lorenia Johnson Hanzy; his in-laws, Daniel and Gladys Celestine Turner; and his siblings, Charles Wellington Hanzy, Alfred Lee Hanzy, Annie Mae Johnson, Annie Lee Pratt, Lionel Hanzy Sr., and Claudel Hanzy.

Though his presence will be deeply missed, Nathan’s memory will live on through the family he loved, the stories shared, the meals enjoyed together, the games he coached, and the countless memories he created. May we honor his life by embracing the simple pleasures he cherished, loving our families deeply, and never taking a beautiful day—or a good fishing hole—for granted.

Nathan's Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 15, 2026 at Mt. Olive Baptist Church, 3076 W Main St, Gray, LA 70359; visitation from 8:00am to 10:00am followed by the service for 10:00am. Interment St. James Baptist Church Cemetery, Gibson, LA.

Final care and professional services entrusted to Treasures of Life Funeral Services, 315 E. Airline Hwy., Gramercy, LA 70052.

"When someone you love becomes a memory, that memory becomes a TREASURE"