June 22, 1939 – June 29, 2022
Willard Buell Bernard Dugas, Jr. June 22, 1939 – June 29, 2022 Willard Dugas, a resident of Baton Rouge, LA, died peacefully, surrounded by his family, on June 29, 2022. After suffering a massive stroke in 2013, he was felled by a second stroke shortly after his 83rd birthday. During his last few days, he received excellent care at Clarity Hospice of Baton Rouge. Willard graduated from LSU with a degree in Physical Education. He was quite the athlete! A Sigma Chi, he won Outstanding Athlete four consecutive years, 1959-1963, a record that remained unbroken. At graduation, he received his commission as Second Lt., USMC. He started his military career at Quantico, VA in 1963, and continued at Camp LeJeune, NC. He attained the rank of Captain. While there, his favorite job was Officer of Onslow Beach where his “uniform” was his bathing suit! His first two children were born while at Camp LeJeune. Willard had an illustrious business career, owning two businesses in Baton Rouge, The Fireplace Shop and Structural Supply. After moving to Atlanta, he worked in sales in the corrugated box industry. Willard was an avid hunter and dancer. His love of athletic competition continued, especially in racquetball and arm wrestling. He held state championship titles in Louisiana and Georgia in racquetball, which allowed him to qualify to compete in the National Olympics (National Senior Games). He went to San Francisco to compete in the NSG and hurt his knee, and was unable to compete. Ultimately, he had knee surgery in 2013, and suffered his first stroke while in recovery.
Willard is survived by children Dami Dugas Brupbacher (Brian). Willard Buell Bernard Dugas, III, “Trey”, Paige Dugas Stewart (Pete), Amber Dugas Lorio, and their Mother, Sylvia Garrett Dugas, and daughter Alex Dugas. Grandchildren Bailey Brupbacher (Casandra), Brennan Brupbacher (Hannah), Blake Brupbacher (fiancée Emily Buchan), Austin Stewart, Andrew Stewart, Lauren Stewart, Annie Rose Lorio and Abby Lorio. Two brothers survive him, Clay J. Dugas (Cheryl) and Alex W. Wall, Jr. (Claudette). Many nieces and nephews and in-laws also survive him.
Willard was preceded in death by his parents, Willard Buell Bernard Dugas and Elizabeth Pitcher Dugas Wall, Stepfather Alex W. Wall and niece Rheagan Dugas. Also, Joanne Gibson Dugas, Mother of Alex. For many years after Willard’s stroke in 2013, his son, Trey, cared for him at home in Baton Rouge, with utmost dedication and love. Three years ago Willard moved to a private assisted living home, Fidelis. Willard loved his caretakers, his “girls” while there…notably, Teri, Keke, and Lolita. His family owes these ladies tremendous gratitude for their constant loving and patient care. Willard loved his large family, his school classmates, and a myriad of friends. His fun, outgoing disposition and his engaging personality will be so missed by all those who loved him.
A graveside memorial with Military Honor Guard will take place on Saturday, August 6, 2022 at 10:30 AM, Roselawn Memorial Park, 4045 North Street, Baton Rouge, LA.
In lieu of flowers, his family suggests donations to Wounded Warriors Project, https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org Credit and thanks to Seale Funeral Service in Denham Springs for their guidance and assistance to Willard’s family.
