Herschel Calvin Adcock Sr.

Herschel Calvin Adcock, Sr. was born August 19, 1937 in Zebedee, Louisiana and passed away January 18, 2013 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He was born on a sharecropping farm to Elmer T. and Jessie B. Adcock. The third of four sons, he spent his youth working the farm but vowing that he would have a "settin' down" job when he grew up. His family moved to Monroe, Louisiana when he was thirteen and he immediately began working at a grocery store. He graduated from Ouachita High School in 1955 and began study at Northeastern State University. In 1958, he finally got a date with the girl of his dreams, Frances Lee Swayze of Sterlington, Louisiana. Three months later, on July 5, 1958, they married and spent 54 wonderful years in love. The young couple started a family while continuing their studies in Monroe. Herschel began working for Key Finance Company, experience that would later guide him in his profession. The Adcock family moved to Baton Rouge in 1966 when Herschel was accepted into the School of Law at Louisiana State University. He graduated in 1969 with a Juris Doctorate, opened a law practice and rose rapidly to prominence in the legal and professional community. His hard work and dedication were reflected in a legal career that spanned more than forty years. In 1972, working with the Louisiana State Law Institute, he authored the Louisiana Consumer Credit Law that forms the basis of consumer credit laws in the state to this day. In 1976, he had the honor of successfully arguing a case before the United States Supreme Court. He was General Counsel for the Louisiana Automobile Dealers Association for more than 25 years, an honor he valued professionally, and one that led to countless lifelong friendships. Some of his other prominent clients included the Louisiana Board of Veterinary Medicine, the State Licensing Board for Contractors, the Louisiana Consumer Finance Association and Louisiana Dealer Services. He served as General Counsel for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana in the early 1990's. In addition to his legal practice, he was also a successful lobbyist representing numerous clients before the Louisiana Legislature. One of his proudest achievements was his role in the passage of the first mandatory seat belt laws in Louisiana. He travelled the world and enjoyed life to the fullest. He had a special passion for golf, playing every course from St. Andrews, Scotland to Augusta National and Pebble Beach, but his favorite memories were of the many rounds he played with his friends at The Country Club of Louisiana. He was an avid fan and supporter of LSU football and the New Orleans Saints. He was a longtime member of the LSU Tiger Athletic Foundation. Herschel's greatest role in life was as a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. He is survived by his wife, Frances Lee Swayze Adcock; daughter Dr. Rebecca Ann Adcock and her husband Richard Wood of Baton Rouge; son Herschel Calvin Adcock, Jr. (Bo) and his wife Nancy S. Adcock of Baton Rouge; and son Jon Cary Adcock and his wife, Dr. Sondra Smith-Adcock of Gainesville, Florida. He adored his grandchildren, Theresa Michelle and husband Ross Hagendorfer of Youngsville; Jordan Allen Adcock and wife Laura of Prairieville; Kristen Leigh Adcock of Baton Rouge; Joel Calvin Adcock and Cary Thomas Adcock of Gainesville. He also leaves behind a special friend, his beloved companion of ten years, his dog, Maggie. He is also survived by two brothers, James Thomas Adcock of Monroe and Colonel Bobby Ray Adcock of Knoxville, Tennessee, many well-loved nieces and nephews, and countless relatives and friends. He is predeceased by his grandson Jared Matthew Adcock and by his parents and his brother, Harry Orlando Adcock. There will be a visitation held on Tuesday, January 22 at University Baptist Church from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. with a service to follow. Burial will follow the service at Resthaven Funeral Home Gardens of Memory, Jefferson Highway in Baton Rouge. Donations in his memory may be made to the Louisiana Baptist Children's Home in Monroe, Louisiana, to University Baptist Church in Baton Rouge, or to your charity of choice.