Billy was born on April 29, 1944, in New Iberia, to the late Albert Pete and Carmen Dugas Pete. He was one of four sons born to that union. Billy graduated from Catholic High School and bravely served his country during the Vietnam War as a member of the United States Marine Corps. In 1968, he entered into Holy Matrimony with the love of his life, Sylvia Broussard, sharing 52 wonderful years together until her passing in 2021. Their union was blessed with a beautiful daughter, Lisa, born in 1970.
A hardworking man dedicated to providing for his family, Billy worked with Texaco for over 25 years before retiring at the age of 55. He also ran his own business, Bill's Chimney Sweep, in New Iberia for many years. Even in retirement, he kept busy working with Kevin's Pest Control to fund his passion for travel, a shared love with Sylvia. They explored the United States extensively, enjoying campground cookouts, card games, and dances. Their adventures included trekking Glacier Mountain, riding burros down the trails and cliffs of the Grand Canyon, fishing in Lake Conroe, Texas, Arkansas and Missouri, and cruising the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, and Pacific Ocean. Billy was a true outdoorsman who also enjoyed archery, horseback riding, and sailing.
Known affectionately as "Pop," Billy's favorite saying was "Take a Break," a reminder to pause and care for oneself, which he shared with friends and family. In his final days, his daughter, Lisa, echoed these words to him with love and tenderness.
Billy will be remembered as a soft-spoken, humble, patient, and kind man who was loved by many. Though we say goodbye for now, we anticipate a joyous reunion in the promise of everlasting life. Until then, "Take a Break Pop." We love you.
Those left to cherish his memory are his daughter, Lisa Pete Kelly and husband Frank; his grandchildren whom he adored, Jordan Kelly (Brittany), Shayla Kelly, Brock Kelly (Brianna) and Tatiana Kelly (Theron); eight precious great grandchildren, Beaux, Rioux, Croix, Avery and Brynnlie Kelly and Kenneth, Titus and Zechariah McGlothlin; and his last surviving brother, Raymond Pete and wife Ann.
Along with his parents, Billy was preceded in death by his loving wife of 52 years, Sylvia Broussard Pete; and his brothers, Roy Pete and Jimmy Pete.
Funeral services celebrating Billy's life will be held at Evangeline Funeral Home on Saturday, June 8, 2024, at 12:00 pm, with Fr. Randy Courville officiating. He will be laid to rest beside his wife at Holy Family Mausoleum. A gathering of family and friends will precede the service at Evangeline Funeral Home on Saturday from 9:00 am until the time of service.
Honored to serve as pallbearers are Kim Boutte, Jordan Kelly, Brock Kelly, Theron Harrison, Beaux Kelly, and Tommy Romero.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution in Billy's name to the Alzheimer’s Association in your area.
The family expresses deep gratitude to Dr. Oliver Achi, Dr. Jose' Mata, Dr. Benny Wang, the Veterans Administration, Magnolia Friendship Center, and Devotion Hospice for their compassionate care.
Condolences and memories can be shared with the family at www.evangelinenewiberia.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Evangeline Funeral Home of New Iberia.
