Billy Joe Shugart Jr., 68, passed away on August 13, 2026, surrounded by many of those who loved him most. Billy lived a life devoted to his family, his faith, and the service of others. Whether behind a pulpit, wearing a badge, serving at the fire station, or simply helping someone in need, he had a heart for people and a desire to make a difference in the lives around him.

 Billy was born on December 19, 1957, and was raised in Austin, Texas, where he met the love of his life, Sherry Lynn Shugart. Together, Billy and Sherry eventually made their home in Provencal, Louisiana, where they built their life and continued their journey in ministry. 

Service was a defining part of Billy’s life. He proudly served his country for six years in the United States Army. He was also a member of the Travis County Sheriff’s Posse and later served the people of Natchitoches Parish with the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office, retiring as a Deputy Sergeant and Chaplain after 15 years of service.

 Billy also completed fire training through Texas A&M and served Natchitoches Parish Fire District 4 for more than 20 years as a firefighter, as well as a member of the Fire District 4 Board. His years in law enforcement and the fire service reflected the kind of man he was—someone willing to answer the call whenever his community needed him. 

At the center of Billy’s life was his faith. A seminary graduate, he spent more than 20 years preaching and sharing the Word of God. His ministry was not limited to the walls of a church; it followed him everywhere he went. Through preaching, chaplaincy, public service, and everyday life, Billy had countless opportunities to encourage, comfort, and minister to others. 

When he wasn’t serving his community, Billy enjoyed the things that made life a little sweeter. He loved fishing, traveling with his camper, watching NASCAR, building and working on racecars, and playing Wahoo with his family. In his younger years, Billy enjoyed dirt-track racing, which went hand in hand with his lifelong love of cars. His beloved dog, Echo, also held a very special place in his heart. 

Above all else, Billy was a family man. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who took great pride in the family he and Sherry built together. He cherished time spent with those he loved and never took for granted the moments they shared. His love for his family was evident throughout his life, and the memories, stories, and lessons he leaves behind will continue to be passed down for generations. 

Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Sherry Lynn Shugart; his mother, Clara Shugart; his sister, Vickie Shugart; his daughters, Lorrie Brown and husband Jack, Elizabeth Shugart Behm and husband Matthew, and Heather Shugart Montoya and husband Bubba; along with his many beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and extended family members.

 Billy was preceded in death by his father, Billy Joe Shugart Sr.; his mother-in-law, Gloria Russell; and his father-in-law, Clyde Russell. 

Billy leaves behind a legacy that cannot be measured simply by the positions he held or the years he served. It lives on in his family, in the community he served, in the people he ministered to, and in the countless lives he touched along the way. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, faithful servant, and a man who spent his life caring for others. 

His watch has ended, but his ministry, his example, and the lives he touched will carry his legacy forward. 

Arrangements: Thursday, August 20th First Baptist Church Natchitoches 508 2nd St, Natchitoches, LA 71457 Visitation: 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM Funeral Service: 2:00 PM Graveside Service: Will follow the funeral at Roberts Cemetery, Harmony Road, Robeline/Provencal. Following the graveside service, family and friends are invited to gather at Natchitoches Parish Fire District 4 (Provencal) for a BBQ meal and time of fellowship in Billy’s honor. 

Those honored to serve as pallbearers are: Jack Brown, Matthew Behm, Bubba Montoya, Tyler Brown, Bryce Nutt, James Toal, Jake Behm, Hunter Blair