FUNERAL HOME

Pellerin Funeral Home - New Iberia

502 Jefferson Terrace

New Iberia, Louisiana

William Patout, III Obituary

Visit the Legacy Remembers website to view the full obituary.

William "Billy" Schwing Patout III, 84, peacefully passed away Saturday, August 5th, 2017 surrounded by his loved ones. He leaves his wife of 46 years, Susan Crawford Patout; his sons William Patout IV, Rivers Patout, and Simeon Patout (Nina) ; his daughters Avrill Patout-Viator (Richard), Catherine Patout Pendergast, Hester Patout Bourdier (Paul), and Anne-Marie Patout Bradford (John); seventeen grandchildren; David Verret, Alysse Nereaux, Marianne, Danelle, Roddy, Anne Ruth, Jackson, and Brooklyn Patout, Hester "Missy", Crawford, George and Susan Bourdier, Judy-Anne, James and Sammy Pendergast, and Mary Beth and John William Bradford; three great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and many close friends and employees he considered family. Born in New Iberia and raised in Patoutville, Louisiana, he grew up the oldest son of William S. Patout Jr. and Hester Catherine Bernadas Patout. While growing up on the sugar plantation, he developed an interest and passion for the sugar industry. However, Mr. Patout stepped away from his life in Louisiana to serve in the United States Navy from 1951 to 1955. Upon returning from serving his country as a Navy Midshipmen in the Korean War, Billy's career in the sugar industry began in 1959 when he began working at the Enterprise factory in a desperate effort to rebuild the factory after a devastating fire destroyed it in March of that year. He was only 26 years at the time and stories are told of how he could be seen in every area of the destroyed factory working feverishly to assure that it would be ready to operate in the upcoming harvest season. After completion of his college career, Billy returned to the Enterprise Factory in 1956 working as an Assistant Engineer through 1959. Always seeking a challenge, he made the decision to leave the family business and move to Hawaii to become a sugar engineer for Brewer and Co. in Honolulu. He made several moves working for different sugar companies always thirsting for experience and knowledge that would ultimately serve him in his return to the family business. In 1970, after working 2 years in Haiti for Haitian American Sugar, Billy received a letter from the President of the family business (James Patout Burns) to return home to Patoutville to lead the family business, M.A. Patout & Son, LTD., which he did until his retirement in 2001. For 31 years Billy led the company as President, C.E.O. and General Manager through many natural disasters, crop disease, residential intrusion on agricultural land, political concerns and other difficult times. Through it all he maintained his vision of "growth" for the company, believing and often saying, "that when a company stops growing it begins to die." He along with his loyal and dedicated team of employees that he assembled, he moved forward to realize his vision for the company. Once a small company with limited capacity he grew the business to the largest sugar company in Louisiana, building the largest factory in the state, Enterprise Factory, with a daily capacity in excess of 24,000 tons of sugar cane per 24 hour period. In doing so, and after much research and consideration, he installed the only Cane Diffuser in North America at the Enterprise Factory which was the final install in reaching his ultimate goal that he had set in 1970. Billy led the company to purchase two Louisiana sugar factories, acquiring Sterling Sugars and Raceland Raw Sugar in the 1990's thereby solidly defining the company as a major raw sugar producer in the United States. During his tenure with the company, he was successful in increasing the land holding acres from 4,000 to in excess of 56,000 always believing that you must be a good steward of the land and respectful of those that farm the land. He often has been mentioned as the person that saved the Louisiana sugar industry.Billy served the industry he loved in many capacities, being recognized by professional organizations for his service. He was a director and past President of the sugar trade organization in LA, The American Sugar Cane League, whose primary mission is national and state legislative matters and agricultural and manufacturing research. He also served as past President of Western Sugar Producers, Sugar Processors Research Institute and Agro-Flex all promoted the sugar industry. He was presented with the American Sugar Cane League Presidents' Award in 2000 and in 2007 received the prestigious "Sugar Man of The Year" award as presented annually by Dyer Memorial in New York City. He has served as Director and Vice-Chairman of the First National Bank of Jeanerette, leading their recent expansion efforts. Billy's passions included sugar, sugar, sugar, history, Grand Isle, and mischief; as well as, spending time with his friends and family. He was preceded in death by his close friend and partner in crime, Johnny Martin; as well as, his two parents and numerous aunts and uncles. Visitation will be held at Pellerin Funeral Home in New Iberia on Tuesday August 8, 2017 from 5:00 to 9:00 in the evening, with eulogies to be delivered at 7:00 pm. Visitation prior to Mass will be held at Pellerin's Funeral Home on Wednesday morning from 8:00 to 9:30. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday August 9, 2017 at 10:00 in the morning at St. Peter's Church in New Iberia. Rev. William C. Blanda will be the Celebrant. Entombment will follow at St. Nicholas Cemetery in Patoutville, with military honors by the Iberia Honor Guard. Pallbearers will be Wilson LeBlanc, Craig Caillier, Gerald Guiberteau, Clint Freyou, Paul Bourdier, and John Henry Bradford. Honorary Pallbearers are Sean Pendergast, Bernard Boudreaux, Rudy Hebert, Eddie Lamperez, and Donald Pavy. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made either to The Autism Research Institute, 4182 Adams Avenue, San Diego, Ca. 92116 or The Appoline and Simeon Patout Scholarship Foundation, 3512 J. Patout Burns Road, Jeanerette, LA. 70544. To view on-line obituary, sign guest book, and view video tribute, please go to www.pellerinfuneralhome.com. Pellerin Funeral Home, 502 Jefferson Terrace Blvd, New Iberia, LA 70560, 337.365.3331, is in charge of the arrangements.

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Memories and Condolences
for William Patout, III

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Not sure what to say?

July 31, 2019

Friend

Ronnie Olivier

I miss our talks about the Sugar industry!

August 16, 2017

JOEY AND SPRING HEBERT

SIM,
WE WERE SO SORRY TO HEAR OF THE PASSING OF YOUR FATHER. OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR WHOLE FAMILY.

August 13, 2017

Robin Coolidge

May light perpetual shine upon him. Hester and family, you are in my thoughts and prayers. Love to you all, Robin

August 11, 2017

Amy Alleman

Our thoughts and prayer are with you

August 9, 2017

Harriet Savoy

Our deepest sympathies goes out to
The family!

August 9, 2017

Murphy Meyers, Jr

My first memory of Mr.Billy was going to the sugar mill to ask for usage of land to build a shooting range for the sheriff's office. Not only was he receptive, but he found us a place better than we had hoped for. Through the years he came by our range often. Sometimes to shoot, always to visit. Down to earth, always smiling, and ready to help. Mr. Billy was the type of man, who upon his passing, leaves us looking for more men like him. Godspeed, Mr Billy!

August 9, 2017

Cliff Knight

I knew Billy for only one day as he graciously took time from his day and showed me the plantation and shared his family history for a project I was working on. He was so kind and shared many stories of his childhood.. some I will never forget. From that one day, I learned there was something special about this man. I can only imagine what it was like to be around him more. I will always consider him my friend. My sincere condolences to the Patout family.

August 9, 2017

Mark Beslin

Dear Patout Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this sad time in your lives, God Bless you all, may Billy rest in peace.
Sincerely,
Kerry and Mark Beslin

August 9, 2017

Geraldine Russell

Our sincere condolences to the William S. Patout, III family. May God's blessings continue to be yours.

Grant Hills, II and family

August 9, 2017

Jack Nelson

Billy was a good friend. He was a forward thinker and made a tremendous contribution to the sugar industry. He will be missed. Condolences to his family.

August 9, 2017

David & Stella Patout

Our heartfelt sympathies go out to the whole Billy Patout family. Several years ago when my father died, Billy was there at the funeral home to console us. I remember our conversation that day as if it were yesterday. As difficult as it is mourning the death of a father, remembering the good times will keep him alive forever.

August 9, 2017

P.J. Caballero, CPA

Our heartfelt condolences

August 9, 2017

Billy hired me in 1966 as assist. Field Mgr.-He Left & went to Hawaii a few years later - I left & went to Port Allen - He & Wm I'v. Came & Hunted with me a few times we stayed in touch - He was always my Friend & l Will miss him . Clyde H. Arnold.

August 8, 2017

Louis R. Saillard

Billy tried to hire me for Enterprise in the 1970s but life took me another way. We stayed friends through the years. I'll miss him.

August 8, 2017

Oscar Brannen

What a pleasure and an honor, having Billy for a friend. My deepest condolences to his family, and many friends.

August 8, 2017

Laura Gammill

Mr. Bat Barrow had tales of Grand Isle. One saying he loves was Schwing while your up. Hope they have fishing in Heaven so they both can enjoy.

August 8, 2017

Leslie Guilbeau (Gilmore)

August 8, 2017

Laurence W. Tobin

Many thanks for the many years of friendship between me and my family. It has always been a pleasure. I offer my condolences to your family and friends.

August 8, 2017

We had many fond memories of "Billy" and he was certainly a forward looking entrepreneur in the sugar industry. Our condolences to his family.
Robert Alleyne(ex-Fletcher Smith Ltd. UK)

August 8, 2017

Sylvia Putnam

What good times we had!
Billy was unique.
So sorry for your loss.
With love and sympathy,
Sylvia Brown Putnam

August 8, 2017

Damian Simoneaux/LWCC

Condolences to the Patout family. Our prayers are with you.

August 8, 2017

Julie Ranzino

What an outstanding life he led, and his family is a legacy that reflects his outstanding character. We send our sincerest sympathies to all of you.
Julie and Cecil Ranzino

August 7, 2017

Mindy Jumonville

August 7, 2017

Theresa Jones

I'm so sorry for your lost of dear father. Praying for the Lord peace to surround the family...

August 7, 2017

Steve Willett

Heartfelt condolences from the Willett Family

August 7, 2017

Chad Foret -Employee @Raceland Raw Sugars

So sorry for y'all lost , The Patout family are in my prayers and thoughts .

August 7, 2017

Janet Romero

I'm so very sorry for your loss. Billy was a very nice man and was always pleasant to me wherever I saw him. I'm sure him and Huey will be grinding in Heaven making sugar for everyone. I will keep the family in my prayers. Fly Free!

Janet Romero

August 7, 2017

Ronnie Olivier

I will miss our many talks about the Sugarcane Industry! You were a great friend! You taught me bunches! Your help in my book on Sugarcane was greatly appreciated! I remember you telling me, ' Get off your but and do it!

August 7, 2017

SHERIFF RONNY THERIOT AND STAFF

OUR HEARTFELT CONDOLENCE IN THE PASSING OF "BILLY". MAY YOUR CHERISHED MEMORIES OF THIS SPECIAL MAN HELP YOU THRU THIS JOURNEY. THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU. MAY GOD BLESS YOU.

August 7, 2017

Kitty Courts

The Courts family extends their deelest sympathy and condolences to Everyone, Bill was a wonderful person, who was also the very best sugar man, who had the most knowledge of the sugsr industry, in the sugar imdustry, Remembering.the Patout family in my thoughts and prayers

August 6, 2017

Coworker

PAULETTE and Tommy Duhe

We are sorry to hear of Billy's passing. He was admired by many and inspired the next generations.

August 6, 2017

Davis & Anna Theriot

We are so sorry to hear of Billy's passing. You are in our thoughts & prayers.

Showing 1 - 32 of 32 results

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Memorial Events
for William Patout, III

Aug

8

Visitation

5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Pellerin Funeral Home

New Iberia, LA

Aug

9

Mass of Christian Burial

10:00 a.m.

St. Peter's Church

New Iberia, LA

Funeral services provided by:

Pellerin Funeral Home - New Iberia

502 Jefferson Terrace, New Iberia, LA 70560

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