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William "Bill" Goman DePierri, Jr., a longtime resident of Baton Rouge, passed away peacefully while surrounded by family on Sunday, March 15, 2020. Born in Nashville, Tennessee on August 24, 1930, Bill received both a B.S. degree and a M.S. degree in Chemistry from Vanderbilt University, where he lettered in fencing and was a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity. He also earned a PhD in Organic Chemistry from the University of Illinois where he was a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Society. He then worked as a chemist for ExxonMobil for 40 years, obtaining numerous patents for his inventions. Bill is survived by his children, daughter Shawn DePierri Miller and husband Thomas Miller, Jr., son Robert DePierri and wife Michelle Millet DePierri, son Thomas DePierri and wife Trudy Babin Avrill DePierri, grandchildren Thomas "Trey" Miller III and wife Rachel Roberts Miller, Olivia DePierri, Danielle DePierri, Tiffani Avrill Theriot and husband Brandon Theriot, Jeremy Avrill, Matthew Avrill and wife Mary Podorsky Avrill, and great-grandchildren Slayde Theriot, Ty Theriot, Kayne Theriot and Camden Avrill. He was preceded in death by his mother, Elizabeth Maurine Hooper DePierri, father, William Goman DePierri, and his loving wife of 56 years, Ellen Hansen DePierri. Bill was a brilliant man with an insatiable thirst for knowledge and a hands-on approach to life, as evidenced by his multiple home improvement projects. Along with his wife Ellen and their children, Bill loved to travel, especially throughout the American Southwest. An avid tennis player, he quite enjoyed beating "flat bellies" – especially as a middle-aged man. Bill was active in the community through a number of organizations including the American Chemical Society, the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, Fleur de Lis, ExxonMobil Annuitant's Club, Gourmet Club, and Cajun Clickers. He was adored by his family for his positive outlook on life, often saying "you can go through life happy, or you can go through life sad – it all costs the same!" Due to the current coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, a memorial will be held to celebrate Bill's life at a later date. Condolences and kind words of remembrance may be left at https://obits.theadvocate.com/obituaries/theadvocate/. Donations may be made in Bill's memory to The Salvation Army (https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/) or to the charity of your choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
I was privileged to work for Bill for many years at the lab. His folksy, offhand manner and witty aphorisms could sometimes mask the razor-sharp intellect he brought to bear on any challenge. I personally looked up to him, and will never forget the bright light he shone on our workplace and our community. My sincere condolences to the family.
David Randall
April 3, 2020
Bill helped recruit me to work for Exxon at Baytown. I also had the good fortune to work with Bill at Baton Rouge. Bill was an all-round good guy and very wise. I benefited from my relationship with Bill.
My condolences to his Family.
Ed Mohundro
March 27, 2020
Our thoughts are with you. Praying for the Deperri family during this time.
Wendy and Robby Smith
March 22, 2020
Your father was an amazing man and I witnessed his kindness each and every day during his time at St. James
as he engaged with friends and staff. When we spoke about family he beamed from ear to ear....I know he is looking down from heaven with a big smile on his face knowing that his family left on earth will continue to make him proud! WELL DONE Mr. Bill, WELL DONE!
cori lanclos
March 22, 2020
Condolences to the family. Mr. Bill was always willing to share information on the job. He was the Gentleman chemist.
Cheryl Arnold
March 21, 2020
Warm memories of a wonderfully wam neighbor and friend
Bill Tomko
March 21, 2020
Hi Bob - I saw your Father's obit in the paper and wanted to contact you. I didn't know your Father, but certainly heard a lot of good things about him over the years. Are you still working? I can't believe I'm coming up on 6 yrs retired. I hope you and your family are well. Anne and I are fine. You can get me at [email protected]. Let's get a lunch after this corona virus clears.
Tom Towles
THOMAS TOWLES
March 21, 2020
Mr. Bill was such a sweet man. He moved into St James about the same time I became the Life Enrichment Manager(Activities) and loved his loving kindness and friendliness. He always greeted me when I saw him and was quick to start up a conversation. I was very blessed to know him. My sympathy goes out to his family.
Tarilyn McBrode
March 20, 2020
Deepest sympathy to the DePierri family. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time! Obviously, his life was well lived and you all have wonderful memories of a great man.
Kirk & Melanie Boudreaux
March 20, 2020
I knew Bill at both ExxobMobil and the Cajun Clickers. What a great gentleman and a vast wealth of knowledge and my friend. My condolences to his family!
Joe Meyer
March 20, 2020
I worked with Bill at BRCP Lab. We worked together in the lab. Bill was one of my chemist. Had many a good day working with him. I will miss him.
Bill Austin
March 20, 2020
Let us not forget his wonderful sense of humor... and the great advice he offered! My condolences to the family.
Margie Nahas
March 20, 2020
I worked with Bill for many years in the CP Lab. Great fellow from whom I learned much. Bill will be greatly missed.
Darwin Oubre
March 20, 2020
Worked with Bill in the lab for many years. He was a great teacher, mentor and full of energy. Condolences to the family.
March 20, 2020
I had the pleasure of working with Bill for many years at ExxonMobil. He was always a positive and supportive team member in his chemist role. I also admired his pride in his wonderful family. He will be missed.
Marvin Borgmeyer
March 20, 2020
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