On the morning of Friday, March 20, 2026, Carol Renee Wagner, known as Renee or simply “Nay,” passed on after a brief but determined fight with pancreatic cancer. She was 60 years old and spent her last days embraced by love and surrounded by family.
Renee was born on March 13, 1966, in Victoria to Carroll Ray Wagner and Norma Gayle (Holster) Wagner, both of Cuero. Her sister, Melissa Ann (Wagner) Christal, was at first quite confused by the newest addition to the family, but they quickly became the best of friends. Even though Renee was the younger sister, she acted more like the protective big sister, always looking over Melissa. However, those roles would seemingly reverse in Renee’s final months, with Melissa helping care for Renee through all of her treatments.
The Wagner’s moved to various places including Houston and Freeport. They would eventually settle in Brookshire, Texas, for the majority of her childhood before finding their way back to Houston.
What started as a high school summer job at a car dealership became a lifelong vocation at Mossy Nissan (formerly Mossy Oldsmobile). Renee worked in the parts department for almost 43 years and was adored by her co-workers.
She had a son, Michael Ruben Muñoz, in the late spring of 1986. She believed it was one of the best things to ever happen to her; she loved being a mother, and her son was one of her greatest points of pride.
Her granddaughter, Norma Geneva Raye Muñoz, came along in June of 2020 and quickly became the light of her life. “Nay,” as Norma called her, did everything she could to be there for her critical firsts, including her first steps. She was not only a grandmother but a best friend—always willing to play, share secrets, and have sleepovers. Nay also lovingly embraced many people in Norma’s life, becoming an honorary grandmother to Norma’s best friend, Marlo Messick, and little sister, Hazel Messick.
Renee was a loving daughter, sister, mother, and grandmother. Despite her unassuming disposition, Renee was a tough and sensitive woman with an enormous heart full of every messy contradiction you can think of. She had an amazing talent for making you feel like family, even if you had just met. Her positive light and love will be dearly missed.
She was preceded in death by her father, Carroll Ray Wagner. She is survived by her mother, Gayle Wagner; her sister, Melissa Christal and her husband, Tom; her son, Michael Muñoz along with his partner Catie Muñoz and their daughter, Norma; and her nephew, Thomas Christal and his wife, Ashley, and their children, Kaylee and Ryder.
Visitation will be held Saturday, April 11, 2026, 1:00 PM at Freund Funeral Home with a memorial service to begin at 2:00 PM. Interment to follow at Hillside Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at stjude.org or the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network at pancan.org.
Obituary provided as a community courtesy by Pat Trevino
Gobble Gobble! We can’t wait to see all you fine folks there. Let’s celebrate community, music, and the spirit of Cuero. Bring your friends, your family, and your best turkey dance moves!
