Noe Raywood “Pedo” Broussard passes away

July 17, 1921 – August 16, 2021

ABBEVILLE - A private family ceremony was held to honor the life of Noe Raywood “Pedo” Broussard, better known as N.R., who passed away on Monday, August 16, 2021, at his residence. N.R. celebrated his 100th birthday in July.
He is survived by his 8 children, Peggy B. Lege, N.R. “Bubba” Broussard and his wife Toni, Arlene Collee and her husband Luc, Danny P. Broussard, Cathy Broussard - Bill Jackson, Abby Broussard, Janet Greig and her husband Gary, Jackie Fleming and her husband John, and the mother of his children Bobbie Jean McCann.
He is also survived by his 23 grandchildren and their respective spouses/partners: Corey Lege (Angelle), Chad Lege (Nikki), Christy Duhon (Guy), N.R. “Chip” Broussard III (Leslie), Blake Broussard (Ryane), Barrett Broussard (Natalie), Sydney Williamson (Clayton), Kenwood “Butch” White, Jr. (Tammy), Albert White (Carla), Roslyn White, Brandy Bouillion (Dustin), Brooke Zaunbrecher (Vincent), Rocky Guidry (Shann), Scotty Guidry (Brandi), Chris Guidry (Marissa), April Landry (Niles), Joseph Perry “ JP” Broussard (Fabi), Alexandra Menard, Cody Luedke (Jodie), Richard Greig (Stefanie), Lauren Greig, Christopher Fleming, Jeanne-Claire Fleming. He also leaves behind over 40 great grandchildren; his sisters, Wilda Ophelia “Sister” Broussard, Norma Sloan, and Gleada “Pool” Broussard; his sister-in-law Venola Broussard; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Johnie and Genevieve LaPlace Broussard; his brothers, Joseph “Bula” Broussard, Howard “Howie” Broussard and his wife Mildred, Huey Broussard and wife Lou, and Mark Broussard; his sisters Stella Broussard and her husband “Toupe,” and Hilda “Pip” Dufour and her husband Aaron; his son-in-law Arnold “Pete” Lege; and one niece and four nephews.
N.R. was born in Pecan Island, Louisiana in 1921. After completing high school, he joined the Navy and served from November 7, 1942, to January 22, 1945. His French language skills gained him favor with the captain of his ship, earning him the unofficial title of translator in French speaking ports. After the war he returned home. N.R. and his brother started Broussard Brothers Boat Service in Chalmette, Louisiana in 1947, which eventually became Broussard Brothers, Inc. In 1959, N.R. moved his family to Abbeville and later to Intracoastal City. During his lifetime, he owned many other businesses including N.R. Broussard Landing, Acadian Contractors, HIDCO, Vermilion Oaks Country Club, Guy Scroggins, Inc., and Louisiana Chemical, Inc.
N.R.’s community service was extensive, including serving as an officer of Abbeville Harbor and Terminal and the driving force behind the development of the Port of Vermilion. He served on the Board of Louisiana Oilfield Contractor’s Association, the Louisiana Shallow Draft Ports and Waterways Commission, and the Louisiana Intracoastal Seaway Association. As chairman of TIRA (The International Relations Association of Acadiana), he was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation in 1973 for his outstanding service and efforts assisting students in enjoying the experience of participating in the hospitality international program.
His philanthropy included contributions to USL, Vermilion Catholic High School, Father Glenn Meaux’s Haiti Mission, Palmetto Island State Park, the Abbeville Giant Omelette Celebration, and the Vermilion Parish Chamber of Commerce. N.R. was well known in the community for his generosity and participation in most fundraising endeavors in Vermilion Parish.
He was inducted into the Acadian Museum’s Order of Living Legends, was honored as the Small Businessperson of the Year, and CMA Leaders in Philanthropy Award.
He enjoyed spending time and helping to develop the Island of Utila, Honduras, where he provided generators for community electricity, desks for schools, musical instruments for churches, and numerous other contributions to the people of the island.
The family would like to thank the special people who took such good care of him in his last years: Angela, Justin, Nika, Eva, Endia, Pootsie, Gail, Dot, Helen, Joan and Joyce. Also thank you to Hospice of Acadiana for their compassionate care.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of Acadiana, 2600 Johnston St., Lafayette, LA 70503. Phone: 337-232-1234.
Due to the current COVID situation, the family chose to hold a private family ceremony. A public gathering to honor the life of N.R. will be held at a time when it is safe to gather.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.vincentfuneralhome.net.
All funeral arrangements are being conducted by Vincent Funeral Home of Abbeville, (337) 893-4661.