1958
Bobby
2017
Bobby Devillier
February 12, 1958 — August 17, 2017
Bobby Devillier, whose heart was as deep and wide as the forests and bayous of his native Louisiana, passed away on Thursday, August 17, 2017, after battling a critical illness and then suffering complications following an organ transplant. He was 59.
Born on February 12, 1958, in Hammond, Louisiana, Bobby Joseph Devillier grew up to graduate from Slidell High School in 1976, followed by later earning a degree in English from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. He also earned a Masters Degree from Tufts University enabling him to teach children with Dyslexia. Bobby was best known, though, for his contracting business restoring historical buildings, and remodeling and constructing residences and businesses, all over the South. A true artist, he often crafted unique and beautiful cabinets, furniture, sculptures, and lighted displays not only from scratch but also from unusual pieces of wood and other interesting items he found in the woods or bayous as well as from odd remnants of the buildings he restored.
Along with being an avid hunter and fisherman, Bobby was a talented cook who, according to his wife Carol, could “whip up a feast for 20 people out of a bell pepper and a potato.” With overt disdain for so-called “Cajun” dishes in restaurants, he prided himself on creating authentic Cajun cuisine that indeed put commercial fare to shame. Often producing vast quantities for more than a few special occasions, Bobby received as much pleasure sharing his epicurean creations as those fortunate enough to partake of them did.
In a booming baritone voice, Bobby regaled his friends with stories of his childhood and youth; his family, friends, neighbors, employers, and co-workers; and his work. With his dry sense of humor and penchant for making people laugh and feel at ease, Bobby was an unshakably devoted friend to many and a loving, dedicated husband to Carol. But it was his selfless generosity and love for others—family, friends, acquaintances, employees, and even strangers—for which he will be most remembered and deeply missed.
It is a comfort to envision Bobby now exploring the woods and paddling the bayous of Heaven where he has joined his parents, Thomas Gerald deVillier and Gladys Marie LaGrange deVillier, and sister Mary Cristina deVillier. Surviving him here on earth, in places where he made positive and lasting memories, are his treasured wife Carol Deen Devillier of Brandon, MS, beloved sons Thomas Edward (Leigh) and grandson Thompson Gabriel of Baton Rouge; Daniel Michael (Vicki) of New Orleans; step-son Matt Yeatman of Birmingham; sister Tommye Ann Devillier Boyer of Pearl River, LA; brother David Adam (Susan) of Culver, IN; a niece and nephew, Christina and Johnathon of Oregon; and dear and life-long friend Randy Keeler.
Visitation for Bobby Joseph Devillier will be held on Tuesday, August 22, 2017, from 10 AM to 12 noon, followed by a service at 12 PM, at Ott & Lee Funeral Home, 1360 West Government Street, Brandon, MS 39047. Interment will take place in Roseland Park Cemetery in Hattiesburg, MS, at 3 PM.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the Liver Transplant Fund @UMMC, Development Accounting, 2500 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39216.
Born on February 12, 1958, in Hammond, Louisiana, Bobby Joseph Devillier grew up to graduate from Slidell High School in 1976, followed by later earning a degree in English from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. He also earned a Masters Degree from Tufts University enabling him to teach children with Dyslexia. Bobby was best known, though, for his contracting business restoring historical buildings, and remodeling and constructing residences and businesses, all over the South. A true artist, he often crafted unique and beautiful cabinets, furniture, sculptures, and lighted displays not only from scratch but also from unusual pieces of wood and other interesting items he found in the woods or bayous as well as from odd remnants of the buildings he restored.
Along with being an avid hunter and fisherman, Bobby was a talented cook who, according to his wife Carol, could “whip up a feast for 20 people out of a bell pepper and a potato.” With overt disdain for so-called “Cajun” dishes in restaurants, he prided himself on creating authentic Cajun cuisine that indeed put commercial fare to shame. Often producing vast quantities for more than a few special occasions, Bobby received as much pleasure sharing his epicurean creations as those fortunate enough to partake of them did.
In a booming baritone voice, Bobby regaled his friends with stories of his childhood and youth; his family, friends, neighbors, employers, and co-workers; and his work. With his dry sense of humor and penchant for making people laugh and feel at ease, Bobby was an unshakably devoted friend to many and a loving, dedicated husband to Carol. But it was his selfless generosity and love for others—family, friends, acquaintances, employees, and even strangers—for which he will be most remembered and deeply missed.
It is a comfort to envision Bobby now exploring the woods and paddling the bayous of Heaven where he has joined his parents, Thomas Gerald deVillier and Gladys Marie LaGrange deVillier, and sister Mary Cristina deVillier. Surviving him here on earth, in places where he made positive and lasting memories, are his treasured wife Carol Deen Devillier of Brandon, MS, beloved sons Thomas Edward (Leigh) and grandson Thompson Gabriel of Baton Rouge; Daniel Michael (Vicki) of New Orleans; step-son Matt Yeatman of Birmingham; sister Tommye Ann Devillier Boyer of Pearl River, LA; brother David Adam (Susan) of Culver, IN; a niece and nephew, Christina and Johnathon of Oregon; and dear and life-long friend Randy Keeler.
Visitation for Bobby Joseph Devillier will be held on Tuesday, August 22, 2017, from 10 AM to 12 noon, followed by a service at 12 PM, at Ott & Lee Funeral Home, 1360 West Government Street, Brandon, MS 39047. Interment will take place in Roseland Park Cemetery in Hattiesburg, MS, at 3 PM.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the Liver Transplant Fund @UMMC, Development Accounting, 2500 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39216.
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