Leonard G. Nunley Jr.

Leonard Gordon Nunley Jr. passed away at his home in Oregon, on Monday, Aug. 10, 2026, surrounded by his children, just as he wished. A proud Army Veteran and a man of deep Christian faith, Leonard was honored with the American flag at his passing. He was 73 years old.

Born March 2, 1953, in Arkansas to Geraldine Smith and Leonard Gordon Nunley Sr., Leonard grew up a country boy alongside his older sister Carol, older brother James, and younger brother David.

Leonard attended high school in Arkansas, where he took particular pride in having driven a school bus while he was still a student himself, a story he continued to enjoy telling people many years later. After graduating from Perryville High School in 1971, he joined the United States Army in 1972, and was honorably discharged in 1975.

Oregon first entered Leonard’s story when, at just 17, he traveled west to spend a summer visiting cousins. During that visit, he met Judy. After his military service, the two rekindled their romance, and Leonard eventually made the move from Arkansas to Oregon. They married in the late 1970s and welcomed their daughter Ashley, in 1981. Two years later came quite a surprise: triplet sons Justin, Jared, and Gabe. Although Leonard and Judy divorced after 11 years of marriage, Leonard remained in Oregon for the rest of his life and never remarried.

Leonard spent much of his working life as a heavy-equipment operator for the Bureau of Land Management. He took enormous pride in being good at what he did. The outdoors was where Leonard was most at home. He hunted deer and elk, fished with his children, and looked forward to the tradition and camaraderie of annual elk camp.

He was also a sports fan who never forgot where he came from. Leonard loyally cheered on his home-state Arkansas Razorbacks while also making room for the Oregon Ducks. But no team had his allegiance, quite like his own children did. Whatever sport they were playing, Dad was rooting for them.

No one brought Leonard’s softer side out quite like Rocky, the miniature dachshund he adopted later in life. Rocky became his constant companion. He went to appointments, traveled on road trips, and could even occasionally be found riding in the upper basket of the grocery cart while the two did their shopping. Wherever Leonard went, Rocky was rarely far behind.

Leonard is survived by his four children: daughter Ashley Nunley; son Justin Nunley and his wife Jessica, and their sons Gavin and Austin; son Jared Nunley and his partner Candy Scranton, and daughters Kaila, Kaitlyn and Kendall; and son Gabe Nunley and his wife Mary.

He is also survived by his sister Carol, and her children Tammy and Mark; his brother James and his children Robin and Jamie; and his brother David and his children Dane and Bryson. In Oregon, his extended family includes cousins Steve, Pam, DeeDee and Jo, along with many other relatives, friends, and people whose lives crossed his during his 73 years.

In accordance with Leonard’s wishes, he will be cremated. His children will gather for a small, private ceremony to return their father’s ashes to a place meaningful to him. There, they will share stories, listen to some of his favorite songs, and remember their dad together. And, if the occasion calls for it, there may even be a Butterfinger Blizzard. There will also be a veteran service at 2 p.m., Sept. 10, 2026, at the Roseburg National Cemetery.