Louis Charles Zanaty was born November 8,1942, in Birmingham AL to the late Abraham Charles Zanaty and Modine Sheppard Zanaty of Lebanese descent.
Louis was 80 years old when he was taken home to be with his Lord on Sunday, May 7, 2023, at 10pm, after being diagnosed one week earlier with acute myeloid leukemia (very aggressive cancer of the bone marrow), complicated by pneumonia that had aspirated in his right lung and then his left. Louis spent his last week in the MICU of Crestwood Hospital, blessed with an excellent and caring medical staff and hospital employees that his family appreciate more than words can express. Louis wanted to die at home but his advanced cancer, pneumonia and complete dependence on his oxygen mask made it impossible.
Louis lived in Brownsboro AL with his wife Inge Kuberg Zanaty and their adoring poodle Pepe. He was introduced to his beautiful bride Inge over breakfast at Cracker Barrel, his favorite meal of the day, by Tom Dunn who became his favorite brother-in-law. Inge took Louis to meet her mother Hilde Kuberg at Redstone Village, and she said on several occasions, “I like that man you’re with.” Her Mutti waited on her deathbed for Louis and Inge to return from their honeymoon. The couple celebrated their 10th anniversary on May 3rd at Crestwood Hospital, instead of celebrating over a special, romantic dinner.
They had spent much of their married life cruising Alaska, the Caribbean, and the Rhine River throughout Europe, including Germany where Inge grew up, until her father Willi Karl Kuberg joined the original Dr. Wernher von Braun Rocket Team in the United States. The COVID Pandemic halted most of their travels, where they had made a number of life-long friends. To be honest, Louis never met a stranger. Louis and Inge were a wonderful, devoted couple; kind, generous and loyal to many, as well as outspoken.
As a young boy, Louis worked in his Daddy’s grocery store in Birmingham, learning about running a business and building a loyal customer base. He grew up strong, with brother Abe and his sister. Louis told a story that the family would take Sunday drives, during which his Daddy would say they could not play the radio because it took too much gas?!?
Louis had moved to Huntsville in the early 1960’s when he finished school, joined the Army Reserves, and married his first wife Faye, who previously died of cancer. Over 40 years ago, Louis partnered with two friends in Huntsville to found Southeastern Business Machines on South Parkway. The place is still in business.
Outside of work, Louis and Inge enjoyed breakfast at Gibson’s until it burned and then Blue Plate. They were avid supporters of UAH SE Conference Basketball, and big Alabama Football fans. Louis visited his many friends at Larry’s Pistol Shop every day. He loved to fish the ponds by their home, collected watches, played quarter poker at Tom and Christel’s, while Pepe played with Liberty and then Jake. Very recently Louis commented how proud his Daddy would be that they had 2 nice cars in the garage all paid for.
Louis loved his whole family and wanted to see them happy, especially his wife Inge and three grandsons, Dillon, Griffin, and Tristan Gilbert. He loved to show Inge off everywhere they went. He is survived by his beloved wife Inge and little Pepe; his brother; Abe (Donna) Zanaty; nephew, Trey Zanaty (Robin); niece; Debra Watwood; and great niece, Valerie George. Louis will be loved, missed, and remembered by his family and friends everywhere he went.
All Family and Friends are cordially invited to the following.
Visitation will be Wednesday evening, May 10th, from 5-7pm at Laughlin Service Funeral Home on Bob Wallace. The funeral service by Pastor Darryl Craft of Whitesburg Baptist Church will be Thursday morning, May 11th, at 10am at the funeral home chapel, followed by the burial at Maple Hill Cemetery.
The Celebration of Life Reception for Louis Zanaty will follow immediately at Whitesburg Baptist Church South Campus (south of the Church and School) catered by Vicky (previous owner of Victoria’s on South Parkway).
