William "Billy"

Bourgeois, Sr.

William "Billy" Francis Bourgeois Sr., age 85, passed away peacefully on January 2, 2026.

A native of Gramercy, LA, and a longtime resident of Paulina, LA, Billy was a man whose life was deeply rooted in family, faith, community, and the simple joys that shaped his world. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 58 years, Kay Arras Bourgeois, with whom he shared a lifetime of love, laughter, and devotion.

Billy is survived by his children: Seth (Sherry), Mary Ellen Roper (Gerard), William "Bo Billy" (ShooShoo), and Brian (Neta). His legacy continues through his grandchildren: Ross Roper (Courtney), Remy Roper (Megan), Shelby Coleman (Jesse), Seth Bourgeois (Erin), Sutton Bourgeois (fiancé Sara), Chase Bourgeois (Courtney), Hunter Bourgeois (Madison), Dr. Brianna Bourgeois (Shawn Marburger), Noah Bourgeois, and Logan Bourgeois; and through his greatgrandchildren: Theo, Milo, Oliver, Wryn Roper, Landry, Lincoln, Owen, Wes, Rhodes, Nox Bourgeois, Lilah, Ellie, Jude Coleman, and Hughie Marburger.

He is also survived by his siblings Annette Rome, Elaine Brack (C.J.), Linda Monica, Tommy Bourgeois (Linda), and Margaret St. Pierre; and by inlaws Brenda Bourgeois, Sue Arras Louque (Danny), and Greg Kothmann.

Billy was preceded in death by his parents, Thelma and Oliver Bourgeois Sr.; his brother Oliver "Poochie" Bourgeois Jr.; his brothers-in-law Jean Paul Rome and Anthony "Sugar Boy" Monica; his sister-in-law Ann Arras Williamson; and his parents-in-law Winnie and Frederick Arras.Billy attended barber school and began his career at Sam's Barber Shop on Main Street. He later went on to work at Colonial Sugars, where he grew up, built lasting friendships, and raised his young family in his cherished community of "New Town." After his time at Colonial, he moved on and eventually retired from Kaiser Aluminum.

A man of fellowship and the outdoors, Billy was proud to be a founding member of both the St. James Boat Club and the Garyville Hunting Club. He was an enthusiastic Sacalait fisherman and was the go to source for anyone seeking a fishing report. Some of his greatest joys came from time spent on the water with his grandchildren.

Billy was also an avid football fan, with a special love for high school football and Tulane athletics. He was a devoted follower of his favorite high school team, the Lutcher Bulldogs, rarely missing a game.A man of many skills and boundless creativity, Billy was not only known for giving a "mean" haircut, but also for his remarkable craftsmanship. With a natural gift for working with his hands, he often created beautiful pieces of art from metal and Cyprus wood-treasures that will live on as testaments to his talent and heart.

Billy will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. His legacy endures through the family he cherished, the friendships he nurtured, and the simple, meaningful ways he left the world better than he found it.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Funeral Mass and Visitation on Monday, January 5, 2026, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 2130 Rectory St, Paulina, LA 70763. Visitation will be held from 8:30 a.m. until 12:00p.m. The Funeral Mass will begin at 12:00 p.m., and interment will take place immediately after in St. Joseph Cemetery.