James "Billy" Meaux

Abbeville—A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, April 13, 2021 at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church honoring the life of James William "Billy" Meaux, 83, who passed into the loving arms of his Savior on April 9, 2021. A son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and friend to many, he was deeply loved and will be deeply missed. He will be laid to rest at St. Paul Cemetery with Fr. Louis Richard and Fr. Edward Duhon officiating the services.  Pallbearers will be Jude Meaux, James Shea Johnson, David Meaux, Mike Saunier, Neil Schexnaider, Brian Hollier, Jabian Sellers and Troy Trahan.

Billy was born in Abbeville, Louisiana. He graduated from Abbeville High School in 1954. Immediately after graduation, he joined the United States Air Force and was stationed in Wyoming and Japan. After leaving the service, he married Inez Marie Detraz in 1963. After marrying and starting a family, he was employed by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development. He retired in 1996 after 35 years of service.

Billy was a life-long devout Catholic. He was a lay minister at St. Mary Magdalen and performed volunteer work for the Christian Service Center.  His passions in life were cooking, fishing, motorcycles, his cat, Scooter (that his daughter still insists he loved more than her), and watching football and golf. He enjoyed taking his family on elaborate vacations every summer when his kids were growing up.

He is survived by his daughter, Jacqueline M. Meaux, and son, Claude Jude Meaux, both of Abbeville; his grandson, James Shea Johnson, of Lafayette; his best friend and partner in crime for 80 years, Elray Schexnaider and his best friend of 56 years and the man who sold him the cigars when his baby girl was born, Robert Sonnier.

Billy was pre-deceased by his loving wife, Inez Detraz Meaux; his parents, Gladys and Joseph Meaux, Sr. and his brother Joseph Meaux, Jr.

The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville, 209 S. St. Charles St., on Monday, April  12, 2021 from 11:00 AM until 8:00 PM with a rosary being prayed at 6:30 PM; Tuesday, April  13, 2021 from 8:00 AM until 10:45 AM when the procession will depart for the church.