Nelville "Brother" Leo Theard

Nelville Leo Theard, Sr. also known as “Brother” was born on November 2, 1930, in New Orleans, LA to Armand Rufus and Myrtle Eberhardt Theard. On September 1, 2024, at the age of 93 he passed away. He goes to his eternal reward after living a life that served as a model to many people on how to be a loving husband, remarkable father, grandfather and great grandfather. He was honored by his grandkids with a sweatshirt that read “The Greatest Paw We Ever Saw”. He could be seen wearing this shirt as he cheered on his 8 grandkids (Shane Doucet (Heather), Christian Doucet (Jennifer), Nelville Leo III “Trey”(LeeAnn), Hollis Theard, Shannon Scott (Rich), Ryan Reboul (Lili), Hauser Reboul (Meg), and Melissa Occhi (Daniel)) at sporting events, dance recitals, school ceremonies, First Communions and anything else that he knew they were participating in. They were constantly amused by his ability to make up poems on the spot or to burst into song without any warning and the fact that he could announce his arrival by putting his hands together and emitting his signature whistle.

He is also survived by his wife, Mary Dee Pilcher Theard, the love of his life. Had he remained alive until December 22nd they would have celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary. He was fond of saying that he convinced Mary to marry him shortly after his graduation from S.J. Peters High School. Together they raised five children in a loving Catholic home. They actively supported their children in all their varied pursuits and gave generously of their time to the St. Leo the Great CYO.

Nelville aka Brother had many jobs in the early years of their marriage. He was a bank clerk, water proofer, railroad switchman and an ice man. However, his career truly began at the age of 23 when he took a job with Pinkerton’s Detective Agency as an investigator. He became a Regional Manager and later was named Vice President of Sports and Special Events. This was where he truly excelled. Although he provided security at President Carter’s inauguration and at the Lake Placid Olympics, he liked working golf tournaments the best. Year after year he could be found at the most prestigious tournaments on the PGA Tour. The Masters was his favorite and he developed friendships with many of the greats of the game during his 44 years of heading security in Augusta. He was gifted golf clubs by Jack Nicklaus, although ironically, he never played a round of golf in his life. He also received Christmas cards, signed caps, and balls, and framed posters and photos from Arnold Palmer, Tom Watson, Peter Jacobsen, Mark McCullough and many others.

Brother was a member of St. Benedict’s KC Council 3061 and was awarded Knight of The Year honors many times during his nearly 50-year membership. You could always find him helping to run the weekend Bingo and he also served 32 years as his Council’s financial secretary. He was also a volunteer for “Pennies for Bread” at St. Joseph Abbey.

In addition to his wife and grandkids, Nelville is survived by 19 great grandchildren and his five children: Mary Dee Brinkman (Ronnie), Nelville Leo Theard Jr. (Gail), Linda Reboul (Randi), Grace Donnaud (Dwaine) and David Theard.

He was preceded in death by two great grandchildren.

The family would like to also acknowledge Billy Hawayek, who holds a special place in the hearts of the Theards and Brother’s Hospice nurse, Joanna Reboul.

Services will be held on Monday, September 9, 2024 at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 501 Holy Trinity Drive, Covington, LA. Visitation begins at 10:30 and a Mass will follow at 12:30.