Jose Israel Nunez

Jose Israel Nuñez, 58, of Columbia, South Carolina, died on August 2, 2026. Born on March 19, 1968, in Puerto Rico, he was the son of Israel Cabrera Nuñez and the late Eusebia Velez Nuñez.

Jose devoted much of his life to serving his country and the people around him. He proudly served in the United States Army for 24 years, attaining the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and serving at duty stations throughout the world. His distinguished military career reflected his discipline, leadership, courage, and unwavering commitment to duty. For Jose, service was not simply a profession, but a deeply held responsibility and a source of great pride. His dedication to serving others continued beyond his military career through his involvement with the American Legion and the Knights of Columbus. He was also an accomplished military parachutist and jumpmaster, entrusted with training, preparing, and ensuring the safety of soldiers conducting airborne operations.

Along with his military service, Jose valued education, personal growth, and achievement. He attended Benedict College and later earned a Master of Public Health degree, reflecting his lifelong commitment to learning and to improving the lives of others. A man of many interests and an adventurous spirit, he enjoyed cycling, scuba diving, and spending time outdoors. He embraced opportunities to explore, challenge himself, and experience life to the fullest. He was also an avid Carolina sports fan and took great pleasure in following the teams he loved.

In addition to his father, Israel Nuñez, Jose is survived by his former wife and lifelong companion in family and service, Norma Diaz Arana; Jose is survived by his sons, Jose Israel Nuñez Jr. and Victor Ray Nuñez; his brother, Franco Nuñez of Columbia, South Carolina; his sister, Erika Fallaw and her husband, Christian Fallaw, of Elgin, South Carolina; his nieces and nephews; Mila Nuñez, Triston Nuñez, Cooper Nuñez, Madeline Fallaw, Ella Fallaw and Isabella Spencer and her husband Robert Spencer their son Jameson (great-nephew). He is also survived by extended family members, fellow servicemen/women, and friends whose lives he touched and who will remember him with affection, respect, and gratitude.

A funeral service with full military honors will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel. The family will receive friends following the service.

Jose will later be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery, a fitting final resting place for a man who devoted 24 years of his life to serving his country. His life was defined by service, leadership, perseverance, adventure, and commitment to those he loved. He leaves behind a legacy of dedication and honor that will endure in the lives of his family, his fellow soldiers, and the many people who had the privilege of knowing him.