William Laurie, Sr.

William Edward Laurie has slipped the bonds of this world, leaving behind a devoted family and countless friends who grieve his absence but find solace in the certainty of his peace. Known affectionately as Bill (sometimes Wild Bill…), he embraced the roles of husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend with unwavering commitment and limitless love, embodying the very best of these cherished titles. After losing his father early in life, he left school and made his way as a quick study and hard worker, caring for his mother and sisters before starting his own family. On the way to a well deserved retirement from his self-educated engineering career that included work on the Saturn rockets, many major petrochemical plants and numerous grade school science projects, he honed his skills as a mechanic, electrician, plumber, fence-builder, carpenter, farmer and fisherman – imparting as much of this skillset and knowledge as he could on his six sons with tireless help from Priscilla, his adored wife of almost 58 years.

He had three sisters and a brother, the 6 aforementioned sons, 10 granddaughters, 5 grandsons, 7 great-granddaughters, 6 great-grandsons and one great-great grandson.

Active in church and community, he served on the vestry at St. Francis and ushered at St. Luke’s episcopal churches, was on the planning committee for the town of Walker, led scout troops, mentored young engineers, and never hesitated to stop and help a neighbor needing a hand.

A life well-lived.

A graveside service at Evergreen Memorial Park in Denham Springs is scheduled for Thursday, November 21st at 10am.  Donations to the St. Luke’s Episcopal Church of Baton Rouge Rebuilding Fund are appreciated in lieu of flowers.