Charles Billie Kirkpatrick

Shreveport, LA- Funeral services celebrating the life of Charles Billie Kirkpatrick, 87, will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 29, 2015 in the chapel of Centuries Memorial Funeral Home. Officiating will be Father Francis Kamau and Mark Pittman. Interment will follow in Centuries Memorial Park. Visitation will be held on Monday, September 28, 2015 from 5-7 p.m. at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home.

Charles was born on May 8, 1928 in Homer, LA and passed away on September 25, 2015. He was a long time resident of Shreveport, Louisiana where his occupation was a house painter known as, “Wild Bill”. Charles, “Bill” or “Kilroy” was a natural musician, being able to play many instruments. His most prominent were the fiddle, guitar and bass. His brother Pete taught him how to play the guitar and bought Bill his first guitar and fiddle at the age of six. Bill’s passion for music was passed down to his sons, daughters and grandchildren. He also made a few fiddles for his grandkids. Charles took on the name of “Fiddlin’ Bill”. His legendary history includes being a member of the Louisiana Hayride String Band, the Army String Band and the Milt Chapman Orchestra. He played numerous radio shows at KWKH, KRMD and KTBS. He performed frequently at the Louisiana Hayride and with many local musicians. He also made appearances at the 1984 World’s Fair, the Louisiana Folklife Festival and the Festival of American Folklife at the National Mall in Washington. He was the State Fiddlin’ Champion in 1984. His pictures can be found at the State Capital Building and legendary tributes around the state. His signature song, which he personally wrote was, “The Last Fiddler’s Waltz”.

Mr. Kirkpatrick was preceded in death by his first wife, Marion Wortman Kirkpatrick.

Left to cherish beautiful memories of Charles are his wife, Oretta A. Kirkpatrick; children, Sandra K. Shackelford and husband Joe, William Kirkpatrick and wife Gail, Micheal Charles Kirkpatrick and Lori Jane Kirkpatrick; grandchildren, Lori Shackelford, Donny Shackelford, Brendale Bacque, Roger Kirkpatrick, Kelly Price, Chris Pender, Christy Kirkpatrick, Brandi Kirkpatrick and Shannon Frazier; great grandchildren, Lexi Pierce, Samantha Bacque, Taylor Bacque, Matthew Pittman, Morgan Pittman, Bailey and Maddie Pender, Jarrett, Wyatt, Alec and Mattie Ramsey, Jon Garrett and Emma Hickman and Ella Gash. Mr. Kirkpatrick is also survived by numerous other relatives and friends.

Honoring Mr. Kirkpatrick as pallbearers will be: Jarrett Ramsey, Wyatt Ramsey, Donny Shackelford, Buddy Kirkpatrick, Bill Kirkpatrick and Oscar Kirkpatrick.

You may share words of comfort with the family by visiting www.centuriesmemorialfh.com