Alfred J. "Sunny" Theriot, Jr.

Alfred J. "Sunny" Theriot, Jr. born on October 21, 1934, in New Orleans, Louisiana, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on October 26, 2025, in Picayune, Mississippi. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend whose remarkable life touched the hearts of many.

Sunny retired in 2005, after 41 years in the steel and wire business where he founded Atlas Steel and Wire with a mesh machine he built in his garage.  He later went on to co-own Atlas and then was Division Manager for Gerdau Ameristeel, where his vision and leadership paved the way for a successful career. He proudly served in the U.S. Army, embodying the spirit of dedication and perseverance that would follow him throughout his life. His words of wisdom to his children and his grandchildren was “There are two ways to make a living, either your brain or your brawn, choose wisely,” and "Your word is your name," which reflects his thoughtful approach to both work and life.

A man of many passions, Sunny had a profound love of music and art. He enjoyed singing, playing the piano and painting. He started his singing career at age 11 performing in the opera La Traviata. Additional performances included numerous musicals including Guys and Dolls, South Pacific, H.M.S Pinafore, and Li'l Abner. He was also a finalist on the Ted Mack Amateur Hour where he performed “Luck Be A Lady” for a national television audience. His repertoire included several weddings, funerals, and concerts along with a special album titled "Sonny Boy" which he dedicated to his children and grandchildren which showcased his most loved songs. He also recorded an album “Jesus Knocking – Traditional Spirituals” which can be heard on Apple Music and the website jesusknocking.org.

Having spent the early part of his life in Gueydan, LA, he developed a passion for fishing, shrimping, and duck hunting. Later in life he would often refer to himself as "The Royal Cajun" so as to remind the family of his Cajun Heritage, humor and love for putting a smile on the faces of everyone who knew and loved him. At times, he would also refer to himself as a "Viking," which embodied his bravery, strength, honor, and loyalty. Sunny also had a delightful affinity for Blue Bell Vanilla Bean ice cream, a treat he cherished and enjoyed throughout his life.

He leaves behind his devoted wife, Linda Newell Theriot, with whom he shared 49 wonderful years. Sunny is survived by his children: Alfred Joseph (Christine) Theriot, III, Alette Theriot (Dicky) Lyons, and Andree Theriot (Ramiz) Khalaf, from his previous marriage to Violette Hamilton. He is also survived by Linda's children: Brent Loflin and Candice Loflin (Walter) Ladner, whom he lovingly raised as his own children.

His legacy continues through his grandchildren: Alfred "Al" Joseph (Adrienne) Theriot, IV, Britney Theriot, Justin (Emily) Theriot, Keith (Laura) Massicot, Daniel Massicot, Mandi Massicot (Jerry) Sumera, Leslie Lyons, Brent (Cheri) Lyons, Sunnye Lyons Coile, Richard (Mindy) Lyons, Jr., Richelle Lyons (Leon) Guidry, Jonathan Warren, Paris Khalaf, Vayle (Zack) Khalaf-Cluley, Britton Khalaf, Chyanne Slocum, Joseph Slocum, Walter Ladner, III, Grace Ladner, and Maddyson Ladner.

Additionally, he is blessed with great-grandchildren: Alfred "Alty" Joseph Theriot, V, Ally Theriot, Alex Theriot, Abby Theriot, Lincoln Theriot, Jagger Theriot, Mason Massicot, Carmela Sumera, Santino Sumera, Luciana Sumera, Antonia Sumera, Cecilia Sumera, Evelyn Gallagher, Gigi Kriegsmann, Aiden Scott, Kyle Lyons, Reed Lyons, Colton Coile, Violet Coile, Richard Lyons, III, June Lyons, John Lyons, Jude Guidry, Anna Guidry, Gabriel Guidry, Josephine Guidry, Cecilia Guidry, David Guidry, Stella Warren, and Rori Slocum.

Sunny was also a cherished brother to siblings Ronnie (Diane) Theriot, Marie Tortorich, Justice Jeannette (Eddie) Knoll, Paul (Dody) Theriot, John Theriot, Adrienne Theriot, Jeannice Theriot, and David (Pat) Theriot. He leaves behind his father-in-law, Thomas "Tommy" Newell, who held a special place in his heart.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred "Buster" Joseph Theriot, Sr. and Marie Louise Bailey Theriot, his sister Jeannine Theriot, his brother Roy Theriot, Billy Coile (spouse of Sunnye Lyons Coile) as well as grandson Dean Loflin, and twin great-grandsons Marlow and Hollis Bruno.

Sunny Theriot will forever be remembered for his warmth, his love for family, and his zest for life. He shaped the lives of those fortunate enough to know him, leaving behind a lasting imprint of kindness and laughter. May he rest in peace, comforted by the loving memories shared by all who knew and loved him.

The family would like to send their love and appreciation to Gentiva Hospice Care for the unwavering care and support they provided in the last weeks.

Services for Sunny will be held on Saturday, November 15, 2025 at Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church, 1230 S. Carrollton Ave, New Orleans, LA 70118. Visitation will begin at 9AM, with a funeral mass to follow at 10AM. Interment will take place immediately following mass at Garden of Memories, 4900 Airline Dr., Metairie, LA 70001.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like for donations to be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital in honor of his Granddaughter, Abby Theriot, who is courageously battling Pediatric Brain Cancer and is a patient at St. Jude. Please access the URL provided http://events.stjude.org/alfredtheriotjr to donate.

Trinity Funeral Serves is honored to serve the Theriot family and ask that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers in the days ahead.