Joseph A. Waddell Jr.

Joe was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Allen Waddell, Sr.; his mother, Beatrice Thelma Wilson; his sister, Thelma Brent and stepsister, Joyce Barron.

Faith, fervent work, and family were the tenets of his earthly life. A man of selflessness with a servant’s heart, Joe looked for ways to bless others through his time, intellectual and life experience earned wisdom, and fiscal generosity. As a sixty-five-year member of Broadmoor Baptist Church, Joe was a devout Christian with a zeal for Biblical knowledge. Christmas was his favorite season as it enabled him to share the joy of the birth of Jesus with others and instill in his family the importance of service to one’s fellow man.

With a ceaseless work ethic, Joe made the most of each day every day. Upon graduation from high school, he enlisted in the United States Air Force serving from 1951 through 1955 attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. After he was honorably discharged, he graduated from Louisiana College in Pineville earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce before ultimately passing the professional examination to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Joe was a practicing CPA for sixty-five years. His career started in 1960 at the firm Griffith and Hettler before becoming a partner and owner of his own firm, Edmonson, Waddell, and Touchstone. Melinda Basco, Joann Porter, and Laura Shardar were fellow colleagues who faithfully worked alongside him for decades. His knowledge of tax laws knew no bounds, whether one had a question related to oil and gas, estates, trusts, or other complex federal or state issues, he had an answer. A daily ritual of a hot bowl of soup for lunch at the Petroleum Club in Mid-South Tower enabled him to intermix with multiple generations to discuss the latest developments in the tax code. Active, professional memberships included the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Society of Louisiana CPAs.

Joe also knew how to live life to the fullest outside of the office. An avid golfer, he encouraged his children and grandchildren to pursue the activity as an outlet for bonding and memory making. Hitting the links at Southern Trace Country Club with his wife faithfully beside him in the golf cart made for a perfect weekend. He also had a passion for LSU Football, LSU Baseball, and the Dallas Cowboys. But his favorite sporting events were those spent cheering on his grandchildren.

Family was Joe’s legacy. He is survived by the love of his life, Carol Lois Waddell nee Meek, to whom he was married for seventy-two years; his children, Peggy Murphy (David) and Keith Waddell (Amy); six grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren.

Interment will be held on December 20, 2025 at Centuries Memorial Park on Mansfield Road accompanied by a small family graveside service.

A celebration of life service will be held at Broadmoor Baptist Church in January 2026.

The family wishes to thank the Willis Knighton Health-Pierremont Emergency and Critical Care Departments’ nurses and physicians, specifically Dr. David M. Abdehou, who practiced medical kindness and compassion as Joe’s internist for years. For their counsel and comfort, the family thanks Dr. Tom Harrison and Dr. John Sullivan of Broadmoor Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home and Family Ministries.

“I have fought the fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7.