Harris J. "Buddy" Pellerin, Jr.

Visitation will be held at Walters Funeral Home on Saturday, June 10, 2023 from 11:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. for Harris Joseph "Buddy" Pellerin, Jr., 72, who died on Friday, June 2, 2023.  Graveside services will be held at a later date at the Louisiana National Veterans Cemetery in Zachary, Louisiana.

Buddy is survived by his wife, the former Kathleen Irwin,  and his two daughters, Margaret "Maggie" Pellerin, and Mary Grace Pellerin Pyfrom and her husband Christopher of Tampa, FL.  He also leaves two granddaughters, Olivia Grace and Emilie Coe Pyfrom;  a sister Jeanette Pellerin Hipple of Shreveport, a brother Raymond of Breaux Bridge;  and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harris Joseph Pellerin, Sr. and Rowena Margaret Thibodeaux;  and an infant sister.

His passion in life was his family;  his wife, daughters and grandchildren.  He often spoke of the pride he had in their accomplishments.  He looked forward to opportunities to play with his grandkids and talked with them about the things they would do as they grew.

His character of service to others was formed early in life by the years of his youth spent caring for his invalid father.  This was later translated into a professional and civic life of service to others.  As part owner of his family funeral business for 15 years, he practiced the Golden Rule Program and many families received services for only what they could afford.  While working in the family business, Buddy received his bachelor's degree from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.  He later earned a Master of Social Work from LSU.  He was licensed in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama.  He was administrator of several mental health programs, worked in hospice care and worked with the military in Mississippi and Louisiana as manager of the mental health portion of Tricare.  He ended his career in private practice.

He was a Past President of the ARC of St. Martin Parish, as well as a board member for several years.  He was also a board member and Vice President of Hospice of Acadiana during its early years.  He was a board member, Vice President, and President of the Mental Health Association of Greater Baton Rouge.  He was a member of the National Association of Social Workers Louisiana and a past member of the Breaux Bridge Volunteer Fire Department and American Legion Post 133.  He was also a member of Theta Xi Fraterntiy.

Buddy was a Vietnam Era Veteran, having served with the US Navy Reserve (71-79) as a Second-Class Petty Officer and served aboard the USS Saginaw County LST 1188.

He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.  

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his name to any of the worthy programs he was affiliated with.