Clayton J. "Chip" Borne III

Clayton J. “Chip” Borne III, devoted family patriarch, distinguished attorney, respected historian, and beloved leader within Louisiana Freemasonry, passed away surrounded by his family on May 21, 2026, at the age of 82.

Born in New Orleans on October 13, 1943, Chip was the son of Clayton J. Borne Jr. and Doris Mace Borne. A lifelong resident of the Greater New Orleans area, he attended Warren Easton High School, where he served as Senior Class President, captain of the varsity baseball team, and a member of the National Honor Society. His love of baseball remained with him throughout his life.

Chip attended Loyola University New Orleans on a baseball scholarship, earning his Bachelor of Business Administration degree in 1964 and his Juris Doctor in 1967. He later pursued post-graduate studies at Harvard Law School. For more than fifty-eight years, he practiced law in Metairie and Mandeville, serving throughout his career as Assistant City Attorney for New Orleans, Assistant Parish Attorney for Jefferson Parish, prosecuting attorney for the City of Mandeville, Judge Ad Hoc for Jefferson Parish Small Claims Court, and arbitrator for both the Louisiana State Bar Association and FINRA. He was widely respected for his professionalism, fairness, and dedication to public service.

Beyond his legal career, Chip devoted his life to Freemasonry, historical scholarship, mentorship, and charitable service. A lifelong Mason and internationally respected scholar of Masonic history, he served as the Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons of the State of Louisiana from 2006 to 2007 after decades of leadership within the fraternity. He lectured nationally and internationally on Masonic philosophy and history, published numerous papers and historical works, and dedicated himself to preserving the legacy of Freemasonry in Louisiana for future generations. His work also extended into philanthropy through Shriners Hospitals for Children, veterans’ visitation programs, dyslexia foundations, speech and hearing foundations, and disaster relief initiatives.

Outside of his professional and fraternal accomplishments, Chip was known for his warmth, generosity, humor, and gift for storytelling. He loved sharing family lore, researching genealogy and local history, coaching youth sports, watching LSU Tigers baseball, football, and women’s basketball, and spending time with friends and neighbors. Some of his happiest moments were spent sitting on his porch along the lakefront waving to passersby, always eager for conversation and fellowship. He never met a stranger and was a friend to anyone willing to stop and talk a while.

Legacy was deeply important to Chip. He believed strongly in honoring those who came before us and leaving something meaningful behind for those who follow. To his family, friends, colleagues, and fellow Masons, he leaves behind a lasting example of loyalty, generosity, wisdom, and personal integrity.

Chip shared a loving partnership with Nona “Jean” Pratz, whose companionship and friendship brought him great joy over many years together. Their story began decades earlier in

neighboring law offices, where Nona typed Chip’s first book. What began as friendship and professional admiration eventually blossomed into a deeply meaningful relationship.

Above all else, Chip cherished his family and took immense pride in the generations who followed him. He is survived by his son, Clayton J. Borne IV; his daughter, Rebecca Borne Hill and her husband Douglas Hill; his sister, Carol Borne (Stewart) Spencer; his beloved grandchildren, Madeline Hill and her husband Patrick McElligott, Elliot Hill and his wife Natasha Navejar, Avery Hill, and Violet Hill; his great-grandson, Oisin McElligott-Hill; his godson and nephew, David Stewart; his nephew, John Stewart; and Nona’s daughter, Kimberly Pratz and her husband Nicholas Necaise, and their children, Blayne and his son Kaymen, Dylin, Madalynn, and Mel.

His guidance, humor, scholarship, and steadfast devotion to those he loved leave behind a legacy that will endure for generations.

Though his accomplishments were many, those closest to him will remember his kindness, humor, steadfast loyalty, and genuine love for family and friends.

Visitation: Saturday, May 30, 10:00 AM–12:30 PM at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home. Funeral services to follow at 12:30 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Shriners Children’s Shreveport or the Northshore Humane Society.