William W. "Bill, Billy" Traylor Jr.

Passed away peacefully from this world into the arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Friday, September 3, 2021, with his family at his side. He was a native of Baton Rouge, but had lived and raised his family for the last 35 years in Denham Springs. Bill was a devoted Christian, family man, and doting Paw Paw. He loved to fish, spend time with his kids and grandkids, was an expert at garage sales and prided himself in buying items at the least cost. He was a jokester, loved to tease and laugh, and instantly became a friend to all he met. He was embarrassed by nothing, and referred to himself as a "gas passer".

He served proudly in the United States Navy during the Vietnam era. He was a graduate of Northwestern State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing, and the Charity Hospital of Louisiana at New Orleans School of Anesthesia for Nurses. He loved practicing anesthesia, excelled as a nurse anesthetist, and was very highly respected in his field. He touched many lives throughout his career, and regaled all who would listen with tales of his adventures. As he always said, practicing anesthesia was 90% boredom, and 10% stark terror. He was a Past Master of the Denham Springs Masonic Lodge #297 F&AM, the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Istrouma Commandry #28, Acacia Shriners, and Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. He was an active member of Riverside Baptist Church in Watson, La.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 47 years, Denise; children William W. III (Billy) Traylor and Aaron LaBrie, Kristen Traylor Lee, husband Jeremy, and grandsons Ethan and Liam Hathcox; Byron Traylor, wife Mallory, and granddaughter Aubrey, his faithful canine companion, Belle; sister Debbie Traylor James, husband Kenny and nephew Austin, mother-in-law Ruth Ellen Vincent, brother-in-law Phil Vincent, sister-in-law Janet Bertrand; niece Leann Gaese Vincent; niece Sara Bertrand Brennan, husband Mat, great-nieces Blake and Jordan; niece Jodi Martin Laidlaw, husband Devin; the Istrouma High School lunch bunch, the Gilmer Wright Gang Plus 1, numerous family, friends and colleagues.

Preceded in death by his parents William W., Sr. (Whitey) and Hilda Strickland Traylor, maternal grandparents Henry and Maybelle Strickland, paternal grandparents E.B. and Maude Hunter Farr, father-in-law Nolan Vincent, sister-in-law Anne Martin, numerous family and friends.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, September 16, 2021 from 4pm-7:30pm at Greenoaks Funeral Home. 9595 Florida Blvd. Baton Rouge, LA 70815. A Masonic service will begin at 6:30pm. Visitation will resume Friday, September 17, 2021 from 1pm-2pm with a Funeral Service to begin at 2pm conducted by Dr. Larry Hubbard. Interment will immediately follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Shriner's Hospital for Children or the Mclindon Family Foundation.

Special thanks to the staff of the Baton Rouge General Hospital Bluebonnet location, and

especially to Dr. Ethan Greenblatt, for their kindness, care and concern during Bill’s short

illness.