RSS Feed

October 29, 1944 ~ June 13, 2026

ABBEVILLE — It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Dudley Joseph Broussard Jr., a cherished husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, who left us on June 13, 2026, at the age of 81. Dudley was born on October 29, 1944, in Abbeville, LA, where he spent his life surrounded by family, friends, and the community he loved.
A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church with Father Matthew Barzare officiating. Burial will be at Hebert Cemetery in Abbeville. Pallbearers will include his grandsons: Kyle Broussard, Brant Broussard, Drake Broussard, Grant Broussard, Alec Broussard, and son-in-law Steven Adams Jr.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 at Vincent Funeral Home in Abbeville from 9 a.m. until 1:45 p.m. when the procession will depart for church. A Rosary will be prayed at 1 p.m.
Dudley dedicated his career to serving the community as a Road Superintendent for the Vermilion Parish Police Jury and served as President of 7th ward Volunteer Fire Department in the 1980s. He was not just known for his work, but for his unwavering commitment to youth sports in Abbeville.
His time coaching baseball not only shaped his sons and grandsons but touched the lives of countless kids in the area. He truly enjoyed supporting and organizing the American Legion baseball program and other youth athletic organizations, making a lasting impact on all he coached.
Dudley leaves behind his beloved wife of 58 years, Judith Broussard; their sons, Troy Theall (Kerry) and Jamie Broussard (Kristina); daughters, Tina Noel (Marty) and Tiffany Adams (Steven); eleven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and siblings Susan Broussard (Wayne), Wayne Broussard, Shelley Broussard (Diana), and Robert Broussard (Denise).
He was preceded in death by his parents, Dudley Joseph Broussard Sr. and Irene "Tye" Marie Hebert, and his brother Jerry David Broussard. A beloved figure with a generous spirit, Dudley will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to Dr. Kennedy Iheanacho and the staff at Abbeville General Cancer and Infusion Center, along with the Southern Grace Hospice nurses, Madeline, Hanna, and Treashur, for their compassionate care during his time of need.
Dudley's legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched. Rest in peace, Dudley; you will be greatly missed.

The community is invited to join in a special celebration of America’s 250th anniversary with an inspiring patriotic walking tour through historic downtown.
The event will take place on Friday, June 26 with tours beginning at 5:30 p.m., 6:15 p.m., 7 p.m. and 7:45 p.m. Tours depart from the Gazebo in Magdalen Square where you will meet your tour guide.
This unique event will bring history to life as we encounter famous figures from our nation’s past and hear the words that helped shape the United States.
Along the way, participants will meet costumed historical characters portraying some of America’ most influential patriots, statesman and reformers. Guests may hear the words of George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Dr. Martin Luther King and Ronal Reagan just to name a few.
The first stop will be at the Vermilion Parish War Memorial to meet with Francis Scott Key. The tour will then proceed to the Vermilion Parish Courthouse Square where we will move from station to station. Along the way, you will meet with our great American figures who helped shape our country. The America 250 Walking Tour is more than a history lesson-it is a way Abbeville can celebrate the American spirit. We all play a role in preserving our history.
The $10 ticket can be purchased at Chloe Rose located at 232 S. Main Street in Abbeville. For more information, please call Charlene Beckett at 337-652-2239.
This celebration is brought to you by Abbeville Main Street, the City of Abbeville, Vermilion Arts Council, Vermilion Historical Society, Vermilion Parish Police Jury, Vermilion Parish Tourist Commission, and “Funding for the 2026 Parish America 2026 America 250 Mini Grant has been provided by the State of Louisiana and administered by the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities in partnership with the Louisiana Office of the Lieutenant Governor and the America 250 Louisiana State Commission.”

James “Jay” W. Campbell, 81, of Abbeville, Louisiana, passed away on June 6, 2026.
Born on December 28, 1944, Jay lived a life marked by service, leadership, family, friendship, and a deep appreciation for the community he called home. He graduated from Mount Carmel High School in 1963 and later attended the University of Southwestern Louisiana.
Jay was preceded in death by his mother, Marjorie Boudreaux “Choonie” Campbell; his father, J.W. Campbell; his half-sister, Judith “Judy” Ellen Joslin; and his half-brother, Jay Campbell.
He is survived by his sons, James Julian Campbell of Abbeville and Chad Edward Campbell and wife Julie of Big Woods; his five grandchildren, Jade, Jacob, Christopher, Jennifer, and Joshua Campbell; his half-sisters, Trudy Hubert and Debra Craig; his half-brother, Steve Campbell; his brother-in-law, Gary Joslin; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
For more than 37 years, Jay served as Executive Director of the Abbeville Harbor and Terminal District and Port of Vermilion. Throughout his career, he was known for his dedication, steady leadership, and unwavering commitment to the District, the Port, and the people of Vermilion Parish. He took great pride in his work and in the many friendships and professional relationships he developed over the years.
While Jay was respected for his professional accomplishments, those closest to him knew his compassionate and devoted nature. For many years, he lovingly cared for his bedridden mother, Marjorie “Choonie” Campbell, until her passing. He carried that responsibility with dignity, patience, and unwavering dedication, never seeking recognition and never once complaining. His devotion to his mother reflected the loyalty, selflessness, and sense of duty that defined his life.
Family meant everything to Jay. Whether speaking in person or ending a telephone conversation, he rarely missed an opportunity to remind those he cared about how much they meant to him. His familiar closing words, “I love you,” became a simple but lasting expression of the love he carried for his family and friends.
Outside of work, Jay enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. He was an avid golfer and bowler who treasured time spent with family and friends. He possessed a lifelong passion for the history of Louisiana, Abbeville, and Vermilion Parish, and was always eager to share stories and knowledge about the people and events that shaped the region.
Many people in Abbeville came to expect seeing Jay standing outside his office during a break, visiting with anyone who happened to pass by. Whether someone was driving down the street, walking along the sidewalk, or simply slowing down long enough to say hello, Jay was always ready for a conversation. One moment, he might be discussing local history, and the next, he would be sharing a story about Vermilion Parish or offering his thoughts on former Governor Edwin Edwards. If you stopped to talk with Jay, there was a good chance you would leave knowing a little more than when you arrived. More importantly, you left feeling like you had spent time with an old friend. For Jay, visiting with people was never an interruption to his day; it was often the best part of it.
Jay also enjoyed a perfectly cooked steak from Ruth's Chris Steak House, Friday night seafood dinners with a friend, visits to the Golden Nugget and L'Auberge casinos with a friend, and afternoons spent with a friends watching the horse races at Evangeline Downs. He was a devoted LSU fan, and his LSU cap was a familiar part of his daily attire and board meetings. During the cooler months, he could often be seen wearing his trademark felt cowboy hat, while baseball season meant it was time for his beloved New York Yankees cap.
In fact, true to form, when the ambulance arrived at his home on his final day, Jay asked them to wait a moment because he needed to put on his Yankees cap before leaving. It was a small gesture that perfectly reflected his character, a man who remained true to himself, his traditions, and the things he loved until the very end.
Jay was also an avid listener of legendary broadcaster Paul Harvey. He admired Harvey's gift for storytelling and his ability to reveal the character and humanity behind everyday lives. Those who knew Jay understood his love of history and his belief that every person had a story worth telling.
A memorial service celebrating Jay's life will be held at a later date, with details to be announced by the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to:
Vermilion Catholic High School
A Legacy of Mount Carmel High School
425 Park Avenue
Abbeville, Louisiana 70510
Please note: "In Memory of James 'Jay' Campbell" on all donations.
Jay will be remembered for his love of family, his compassion for others, his loyalty to friends, his dedication to his community, his passion for local history, his unmistakable sense of tradition, and the countless lives he touched throughout his remarkable journey.
As Paul Harvey would say, “And now you know the rest of the story.”

Newly elected Abbeville Councilman Neal Richard passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday morning at his home in Abbeville.
Visitation will be held at Vincent Funeral Home of Abbeville, 209 S. St. Charles St., on June 13, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service.
Neal will be laid to rest at Saint Paul Cemetery in Abbeville.
Richard, 58, was the second-generation owner of Richard Meat Market on Park Avenue, located across the street from Park Restaurant.
He took over the business 30 years ago, when his father retired. His father, Otis “Smokey” Richard, opened the business.
On May 16, Richard, husband and father of five children, was elected to the Abbeville City Council in District A.
He was expected to be sworn in at the end of June and take office on July 1.
“We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Councilman-elect Neal Richard, a business owner and lifelong resident of Vermilion Parish,” Abbeville Mayor Roslyn White said. “Neal’s interest in serving our community was one he had long considered, and his overwhelming victory on May 16 stands as a testament to the love and respect he earned across our community.
“He led a life centered around family, and his vision was one of unity, grounded by his values of honesty, integrity and dependability. His generally kind soul and love for our community will be greatly missed by all who were fortunate enough to know and love him.
“Please join me, the Abbeville City Council, and the entire City of Abbeville Team in praying for our friend and colleague, Neal Richard, his family, friends, and the Richard’s Meat Market family.”
Abbeville’s newly elected mayor, Anita Levy, was saddened to learn of Richard’s death.
“From what I heard about him, he was a great guy,” said Levy. “My prayers go out to his family.”
A special election in the next few months will be held to elect a councilperson for District A.
The state will decide when that special election will take place. It could be anywhere from three to six months.
In the meantime, at the new council’s first meeting in July, a temporary replacement for Richard is expected to be named.
The person must live in District A and will earn a salary as a new councilperson until a special election is held.
There are statewide and local elections scheduled for November.