George Runyan

A native New Orleanian and husband to the late Alice “Del” Runyan for 58 years served in Navy (1955-1961) and graduated from LSU (1967). George started General Corrugated Manufacturing with Floyd Russell and George Post. He then purchased NOLA Box Supply, which is still operated by the Runyan family.

George was always a devoted father, relishing his daughter's dance recitals and his son's school concerts. He taught his son chess and played “cato” (Pink Panther) with his daughter. He was an avid Saints, LSU baseball and football fan; the pilgrimage with his son-in-law to watch the College World Series brought him great satisfaction.

Whether it was restoring a Model A with his friend Angelo Ricca, fixing clocks, or socializing over a game of contract bridge, George did it with full attention. In 1989, he was in a team of four whom won the title “North American duplicate bridge champions.” He attained the ranking of Gold Life Master with the American Contract Bridge League.

George would entertain children whether it was playing Old Maid, waiting for a loom bracelet or making a racy suggestion to his grandson causing him to blush. His voicemail urged you to leave a message for Rufus T. Firefly, a tribute to his favorite actors, the Marx Brothers. All of us will miss him picking up his phone with an enthusiastic “Ya-ello?” or being transferred to Firefly’s voicemail. His memory will live within those that met him and his surviving family: Moya Carroll (Kenny), Alan Runyan (Alma Ong), Marisa and Andrew Carroll, Sophia and Audrey Runyan. Also, his nephew Mike McManus (Pamela) and their son Sean McManus (Ingrid), and their daughter Kaidence.

A visitation will be on Friday, February 8, 2019, from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm with a service to follow at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd, New Orleans. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the American Diabetes Association or Special Olympics of Louisiana.