Billy Ray Gooch

St. Martinville - A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:30 pm on Saturday, December 9, 2023, at St. Martin de Tours Catholic Church for Billy Ray Gooch, 72, who passed away on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, at his residence.

A visitation will take place at the funeral home in St. Martinville from 7:30 am until 1:00 pm.

A Rosary will be prayed at 10:00 am by Buddy Hebert and Keith Hebert. 

Father Jason Vidrine will officiate at the Funeral Mass. Readers will be Buddy Hebert and Keith Hebert. 

Inurnment will follow at a later at St. Michael Cemetery. 

Billy honorably served in the United States Navy for four years, where he honed his selflessness and dedication to protecting and serving others.

Following his military service, he embarked on a distinguished 21-year career with the Lafayette Police Department. Upon his retirement from the police force, Billy continued to serve his community as a coordinator for the Public Agency Training Council. 

Beyond his career, Billy had a variety of passions and interests that brought him joy. He loved spending time riding his motorcycle, fishing, listening to music, and watching science fiction movies. He was also a talented wood carver. Billy was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, who will be greatly missed. 

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Nanette Hebert Gooch; daughter, Jackie Gooch; sons, Billy "BJ" Gooch (Julia) and Kelly Gooch; grandchildren, Sage Bonin (Maycii), Jayden Nassans, Barkley Gooch and Adele Gooch; and great-grandchildren, Brexlie Bonin and Hadlee Bonin.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Rae Champagne Gooch and David Gooch. 

Pallbearers will be BJ Gooch, Kelly Gooch, Sage Bonin, Jayden Nassans, Barkley Gooch and Harvey Castex.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Cancer Society of Louisiana at https://donate.cancer.org/.

Pellerin Funeral Home, 112 New Market St., St. Martinville, LA 70582 (337-332-2111) is in charge of arrangements.