Ernesto R. Diaz, 64, of Port Arthur, Texas passed away Sunday, March 5, 2017, at Oak Groves Nursing Home surrounded by his family. Ernest was born April 1, 1952 in Port Arthur, Texas to Gilbert and Isabel Diaz. He was a native of Port Arthur. Ernest was a graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School, Class of 1971. Ernest earned the nickname “Smokey,” enjoyed training on the sea wall in Port Arthur during his competitive boxing days and was an exceptional boxing athlete. Ernest started boxing at the age of 15 and was a member of the Dick Menchaca Boxing Club and won the Beaumont Area Golden Gloves Championship. He loved his family, especially his many nieces and nephews. Ernest was a member of Our Lady of the Guadalupe Catholic Church in Port Arthur.

Ernest was preceded in death by his parents, Gilbert Diaz and Isabel Sandoval Diaz; sisters, Dolores Diaz Trahan and Theresa Diaz Grant; and brother, George Diaz. He is survived by his brothers, Gilbert Diaz of Houston, Robert J. and his wife Lisa Diaz of Groves; sisters, Yolanda and husband Charles Schrader of Groves and Rosalinda Cardenas of Groves. Mr. Diaz also leaves behind many uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces, cousins and many close friends to cherish his memories.

Thank you to all the friends and family of Ernest for your thoughts and prayers. Also, a special thanks to the staff of Oak Groves Nursing Home and Kindred Hospice Care for caring for Ernest in his final days.

A gathering of friends and relatives will be held Wednesday, March 8, 2017 from 5 p. m. to 8 p.m.  at Clayton Thompson Funeral Home in Groves. A Celebration of Mr. Diaz’s life will be celebrated at 2 p.m. , Thursday, March 9, 2017 at Clayton Thompson Funeral Home, with interment to follow in Greenlawn Memorial Park.