William A."Bill"Efferson

Efferson Sr., William A. "Bill" "Paw Paw"William "Bill" Anthony Efferson Sr. died peacefully at Ollie Steele Burden Manor surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday May 4, 2016. He was 86 and a resident of Baton Rouge. He was a Maintenance Planner with Exxon where he retired from in 1986. He was a veteran of the United States Navy where he served as an Electrician's Mate Third Class on the USS Jason in the Korean War in which he was Honorably Discharged in 1952. He was a member of the Exxon Fleur de Les Annuity Club and also a member of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. He played a critical role as a volunteer in the Pharmacy there assisting the pharmacists in the daily operation. He served as a Eucharistic Minister, was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Altar Society and Usher Society where he received a Lifetime Usher Award at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church. Bill was a devout Catholic attending daily Mass, as well as, being a dedicated weekly attendee in the Perpetual Adoration Chapel in this parish. He also attended Manresa House of Retreats, group 34, for many years. He was an active Alumnae of CHS (Class of '47) for several years. Bill loved his LSU Tigers especially the football sporting events. Bill met the love of his life, Margaret, at an American Legion dance and they married at St. Anthony Catholic Church in 1950. They were blessed to be married for 66 years. Bill was also an avid golfer, playing numerous courses throughout the country while vacationing. He cherished all family gatherings, spending time with his grandchildren and great grandkids, gardening, and nurturing his lovely plants. He is survived by his loving wife, Margaret Marino Efferson; three sons and daughters-in-law, Bill and Cyndi Efferson, Randy and Cathy Efferson and Michael and Stacy Efferson. He was a wonderful "Paw Paw" to five grandchildren, Kerri Efferson Rushing and spouse Ronnie, Stephanie Efferson Sortino and spouse Anthony, Scott R. Efferson, Brian N. Efferson and spouse Courtney and Ashley Efferson Manuel and spouse Sean. Six great grandchildren, Ashley and Justin Rushing, Molly, Tony and Isabelle Sortino and Lucy Efferson. Also survived by a sister and brother-in-law, Beverly and Prott Morales and two brothers and sisters-in-law, Ronald and Azelia Efferson and Rusty and Mavis Efferson. Also special to him were his numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, William and Laura Efferson. Visitation will be held at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church, 445 Marquette Avenue, on Tuesday May 10, at 9:00 am until Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 am by Reverend Cleo J. Milano. Interment will follow on the grounds of Greenoaks Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Scott Efferson, Brian Efferson, Justin Rushing, Ronnie Rushing, Anthony Sortino and Sean Manuel. The family wishes to express their appreciation and heartfelt thanks to the entire staff at Ollie Steele Burden Manor and also to the staff of Hospice of Baton Rouge. The family extends a very special thanks to Hospice of BR nurse, Nita Vincent who prayed and sang to him often and showed such compassion not only to dad, but to the whole family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cancer Services of Greater Baton Rouge, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Hospice of Baton Rouge.