William Edward Shaddock, Jr.

William E. Shaddock, Jr., known to many as “Bill” or “Big Daddy,” of Lake Charles, Louisiana, passed away very peacefully on March 24, 2026, with his family at his side, at the age of eighty eight. He was born on January 18, 1938, in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

Bill married Winifred Craig Gorham on August 2, 1958, and together they built a home anchored in devotion, laughter, and unwavering companionship. Their marriage was the kind people quietly admire… steady, faithful, and full of love in both the ordinary and extraordinary moments. This August, they would have celebrated 68 years of marriage, a blessing that shaped their family and will live on in all who knew them.

Bill proudly served his country in the United States Navy. After his military service, he pursued his education at Louisiana State University, earning his Bachelor of Science degree in 1960 and his Juris Doctor degree from the LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center in 1963.

Bill spent his entire legal career with the Lake Charles law firm of Stockwell, Sievert, Viccellio, Clements & Shaddock, L.L.P., where he practiced for more than six decades. His practice focused primarily on estate planning, trust and estate administration, and natural resources law. Known for his wisdom, professionalism, and ethical standards, Bill earned the trust of clients and the respect of colleagues across Louisiana and beyond.

Bill was a member of the Southwest Louisiana Bar Association, the Louisiana State Bar Association, and the American Bar Association. He was a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC) and served as President of the Louisiana Chapter of ACTEC for five years. He was board certified in Estate Planning and Administration by the Louisiana Board of Legal Specialization and was recognized in The Best Lawyers in America for Trusts and Estates. He was also selected as a Louisiana Super Lawyer in Estate Planning and Probate.

While Bill’s professional accomplishments were significant, his greatest joy was his family. He enjoyed living in South Louisiana and traveling with his family throughout the world to fish and hunt.

A lifelong outdoorsman, Bill loved hunting and fishing, passions that combined patience, skill, and the simple joy of being outside with people he loved. He wrote numerous articles for the Lake Charles American Press recounting hunting and fishing expeditions, and his stories captured the particular pleasure he found in fly fishing, the quiet of the water, the art of the cast, and the calm satisfaction of doing something the right way. He was so good at catching tarpon that they called him “Tarpon Bill.”

Bill also loved cooking, which he learned as a young boy from his stepfather, Steve Plauche, and enjoyed sharing with family and friends. One of his most beloved traditions was giving cooking lessons to his children’s friends through what everyone affectionately came to know as “Cordon Bill,” where he shared techniques, encouragement, and plenty of laughter along the way. Bill wrote several versions of his cookbook entitled A View from Bill’s Kitchen. He was also instrumental in the writing and publication of Pirates’ Pantry for the Junior League of Lake Charles.

Bill embraced Lake Charles’ traditions with genuine enthusiasm and pride. He was honored to serve as King of the Krewe of Contraband (1997) and King of the Krewe of Mystique (2002), roles he approached with joy, enthusiasm, and deep appreciation for the community celebrations that bind generations together. Bill was known as the “Boogie King” of the Krewe of Mystique when he uncharacteristically stood on the bandstand and danced for all to see.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, William E. Shaddock, Sr. and Edith Burton Shaddock Plauche; his stepfather, Stephen E. Plauche; his maternal grandparents, William Thomas (“W.T.”) Burton and Ethel Lewis Burton; his paternal grandparents, William Bransom Shaddock and Lillie Julia Tureman Shaddock; his sister, Evelyn Shaddock Woosley Murray; his daughter in law, Cammie Moreno Shaddock; and his son in law, Richard Don Clements, Jr.

He is survived by his wife, Winifred Craig Gorham Shaddock; his son, Stephen Gorham Shaddock, and his wife, Kathy Dobbs Shaddock; his daughters, Mary Shaddock Jones and her husband, Brian Ray Jones, and Nancy Shaddock Clements; and his stepsister, Jeannette Plauche Parker, along with numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He is also survived by his grandchildren: Stephanie Shaddock Henning and her husband, William T. Henning II; William Edward Shaddock II and his wife, Elizabeth Afshari Shaddock; William Craig Jones and his wife, Dr. Katherine Henning Jones; Jennifer Edith Jones; Mary Kathryn Clements Norman and her husband, Joe Norman; and William Don Clements; and his great grandchildren, William T. Henning, III, Christopher Stephen Henning, Aelin Rae Jones, Vivienne Morgan Jones, and Elizabeth Don Norman.

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the individuals who cared for and supported the Shaddock family over many years: Birdie Harmon, Wilfred LeJeune, Lupe Lomeli, Anne Lavergne, Timothy LeJeune, Mike Matthews, Pam January, Charlette Burd, Janelle “Smokey” Guillory, Matt Goodman, and Gabe Pullig. Their kindness, dedication, and loyalty will always be remembered.

The family also extends heartfelt appreciation to the physicians and their staff who cared for Bill with exceptional skill and compassion, including Dr. Brian Clements, Dr. King White, Dr. Michael Cormier, and the late Dr. Michael Bonfiglio and Dr. Harlan C. Amstutz.

A celebration of Bill’s life will take place on Friday, March 27, 2026, at First United Methodist Church, located at 812 Kirkman Street, Lake Charles, Louisiana 70601, with visitation from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., followed by the service at 11:00 a.m.

Pallbearers are Dr. Richard Chafin, William E. Shaddock II, M.D., William Craig Jones, William Don Clements, Brian Jones, Frank Wood, Henry Chol, and D.C. Flynt. Lawrence Lowry will serve as Honorary Pallbearer.

A private family interment will take place in the First United Methodist Columbarium at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First United Methodist Church, 812 Kirkman Street, Lake Charles, Louisiana 70601 or to a church or charity of the donor’s choice.