William R. Abadie

William “Bill” Russell Abadie, 98, passed away August 3, 2025. He was born in New Orleans in 1927 and shortly afterwards moved to Baton Rouge, LA. He attended Istrouma High School until joining the Navy and serving in WWII and Korean War. He was proud to spend most of his life serving the public as a LA State Policeman, retiring as a Lieutenant and commander over Troop” A” covering East Baton Rouge as well as working at the Governor’s mansion as bodyguard for the late Governor Earl Long. After retiring he and his wife moved to Hamburg, MS in 1977 and enjoyed many wonderful times over the years before returning to LA and living on the Tickfaw River in Springfield, LA. Bill later returned to MS in 2016 living in Ellisville to be near his daughter and son due to their insistence and remained until his death.

He was preceded in death by the love of his life, Evelyn Barland Abadie who died in 2000; his father, Albert Abadie and mother, Geralda Larcade Abadie, who died when he was a small child; step mother, Leona Dragon Abadie; 4 brothers, Jack Abadie (Betty), Albert “Buddy” Abadie (Ruth), Guy Abadie (Bootsie) and Ray Abadie (Carol); and 2 sisters, Jean Carmack (Bill) and June Munster (Louis).

Bill is survived by his daughter, Mary Abadie Odom (Stan) of Ellisville, MS; his son, David Wayne Abadie (Suzanne) of Smithdale, MS; granddaughter, Tracy Schmidt (Robby); 2 grandsons, Bobby Callender, Jr. (Mindy) and Cody Abadie (Judi); 6 great grandchildren, Robert Schmidt, Jr. (Deana), Kaileigh Hendry (Jeremy), Joey Schmidt, Kylee Schmidt, Caleb Callender (Juliana), Camryn “CC” Callender, and Alice Suzanne (on the way); great-great grandchildren, Paisley, Ryelynn, Remington Schmidt and Ezra Hendry. He was a great influence in all their lives by the courageous way he lived his life. Bill was so full of knowledge having seen it all, on land, sea and above as his favorite pastime was flying his airplane. Bill was a 32nd Degree Master Mason and a Shriner as well. He lived a full life and was blessed to be admired by so many. His motto was “Only you can tarnish your own integrity!”

Pallbearers will be Cody Abadie, Bobby Callender, Jr., Caleb Callender, Robby Schmidt, Joey Schmidt & Jeremy Hendry. Visitation will be held at Greenoaks Funeral Home, 9595 Florida Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70815, on Friday, August 8, 2025, beginning at 12 pm until funeral services at 2 pm. Burial will follow in Greenoaks Memorial Park.