Billy J. ETIENNE

ST. MARTINVILLE - Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 8, 2005, at Notre Dame Catholic Church in St. Martinville for Billy J. Etienne, 62, who passed away peacefully at home Thursday, Dec. 30, 2004, surrounded by his loving wife, Cheryl, and family.Interment will follow at Queen of Peace Cemetery in St. Martinville.Throughout his long battle with brain cancer, his positive attitude, sense of humor and belief in God was an inspiration to us all.Born in St. Martinville, La., Dec. 19, 1942, Billy was the son of Louis and Tellamay Etienne. He was a graduate of Holy Rosary High School in Lafayette, La., where he excelled in mathematics and was ranked 7th in the state. His fascination for how things worked led him to a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Southwestern Louisiana and an MBA from Wilmington College. In early 1965, Billy accepted an invitation to join the engineering department at E.I. DuPont. During a career that spanned over 35 years, his unending curiosity and mechanical creativity led to significant inventions and several patents that enhance and protect the lives of thousands each day. The nitrogen separation system protects the fuel supply in fighter aircraft for the U.S. Navy and several European nations. Many of the nylon products we use daily, including airbags, automobile tires, sporting goods and bulletproof vests were improved by his efforts to improve the quality of DuPont's nylon spinning process. He was tireless in his pursuit of perfection and truly embodied DuPont's motto of "Engineering Excellence". Billy displayed an incredible zeal for life and enjoyed numerous sports and several hobbies. He was an avid sportsman and cherished the times he spent hunting and fishing with his brothers along the mysterious bayou waters near his boyhood home. Billy was an accomplished pool player and shared his passion for the sport with family and friends. Later in life, he became a golfer and skilled tennis player. As a member of the U.S. Tennis Association he competed in several singles and doubles tournaments and enjoyed the challenge a good tennis match would bring. Billy had a passion for dancing and he and Cheryl enjoyed vacations to the Virgin Islands, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic, basking in the warm waters, gentle breezes and relaxation that only the islands can bring. He had an infectious sense of humor. Indeed, his sense of humor never failed him, even in his final days. Billy was a deeply spiritual and sensitive man - patient, gentle, compassionate and kind. He will be deeply missed.Billy is survived by his loving wife, Cheryl; his children, Janet, Stacey, Sean, Sheldon and William; two grandchildren, Kyle and Jordan; his parents, Louis and Tellamay; his aunts, Mable, Alice, Theresa and Elnora; his siblings, Verna, Margaret, David and Kathleen; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.He was preceded in death by two siblings, Jane and Louis Jr.The family requested that visiting hours be observed from 7 a.m. today and will continue until time of service.Pellerin Funeral Home of St. Martinville is in charge of arrangements.