Billy Joe Lockhart Sr.

Billy Joe Lockhart, Sr., 79, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday morning, October 11, 2025. He went to sleep in the arms of his beloved wife, Linda, and woke up in the arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus. Born to Janet Lockhart on September 7, 1946, Bill lived a life marked by service, devotion, quiet strength, and a deepening faith. Bill and Linda Lewis were married on January 27, 1966, and spent the next 59 years growing their family-remaining deeply in love and devoted to one another every step of the way.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Linda Lewis Lockhart; his daughter, Belinda Lockhart Beaubouef, and her husband, Robert Beaubouef of Grand Cane, LA ; and his son, Kurt Lockhart, and his wife, Kimberly Goddard Lockhart DeRidder, LA.
Bill was a proud grandfather to Eric Goodman, Jr. (Marissa) of Pineville, LA; Cameron Goodman (Sloane) of Vienna, VA; Destiny Goodman Cisneros (Vincent) of Austin, TX; Abigail Goodman Davis (Brayden) of League City, TX; Rainie Beaubouef of Boston, MA; Kyla Lockhart Baker (Jonathan) of Lake Charles, LA; Kelci Lockhart (Montero Dixon) of Lake Charles, LA and Kash Lockhart of DeRidder, LA. His legacy continues through his great-grandchildren: Remington Goodman Poisso, Alice, Aubrey, and Reed Goodman; Brooks and Casey Davis; Nova Dixon; Edith Baker; and a great-granddaughter expected in January.
He was preceded in death by his son, Billy J. Lockhart, Jr.; his mother, Janet Lockhart; and his in-laws, Wallie and Elaine Lewis.
Bill honorably served his country for 20 years in the United States Army, retiring as a Master Sergeant. His military career included service on the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) in Korea, three tours in Germany, and multiple duty stations across the United States. He held leadership roles as Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge (NCOIC) of the Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System (MILES) and the Bradley Fighting Vehicle, training both trainers and troops. He served as liaison and advisor between the military and civilian contractors during the development of the Bradley Fighting Vehicle, and led the initial training of military personnel as it was introduced in Germany and across the U.S.
Bill also participated in REFORGER (Return of Forces to Germany), a major NATO military exercise during the Cold War, from 1969 until his retirement in 1985. He served as First Sergeant (1SG), known affectionately by his troops as "Top"-even before officially holding the rank. Bill was promoted in the Primary Zone throughout his career, a reflection of his excellence and leadership. His Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) included senior NCO roles over both an Armored Unit and a Chemical Warfare Unit. He received multiple awards and commendations throughout his military service, honoring his dedication, skill, and integrity.
Upon receiving orders to deploy to Germany for a fourth time, Bill made the strategic decision to retire to "Fort Living Room," choosing to remain stateside to care for his aging mother and mother-in-law-a move that perfectly captured his loyalty, practicality, and dry sense of humor.
After retiring from the Army, Bill completed his college degree at McNeese State University and became a teacher, dedicating himself to education until his second retirement. He taught 5th and 6th grade at both Pickering and Rosepine Elementary Schools, where his steady presence and quiet encouragement shaped countless young lives. He later worked at Amerisafe as an Information Technology (I.T.) Specialist, continuing to serve others with precision and care.
Bill came to know the Lord in August of 1991-a turning point that transformed his life. Once he surrendered his heart, his love for the Lord grew steadily, as did his faithfulness. If you visited him in the morning, you'd likely find him studying the Bible and watching worship videos to start his day. His walk with Christ was quiet but unwavering, marked by a deep reverence for God's Word. His greatest desire was that his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren would accept the Lord as their Savior.
Bill was also a faithful servant in his church, Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, DeRidder, La and The One Way Sunday School Class, he participated as Shepherd in the church's drive-thru production of "That Night in Bethlehem" from its inception and contributed as a trustee, member of the security and multimedia teams, and was ordained as a deacon.
A stoic man of few words, Bill spoke volumes through his actions-and when he did speak, sarcasm was his second language. He found joy in riding motorcycles, traveling the country with his wife and his brother and sister "in-love," Robert and Pat Dickens-covering 48 states by RV and motorcycle-and sharing Blue Bell ice cream with peach cobbler with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His dry wit, steady presence, and unwavering love will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Bill was a proud alumnus of Rosepine High School and McNeese State University.
Services will be held at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. Visitation will take place on Friday, October 17, 2025, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., and again on Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. until the start of the service at 11:00 a.m. There will be no graveside service.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital St. Jude’s
Gideons International Gideons
Breakthrough Type 1 Diabetes (Juvenile Diabetes),Break Through
Acknowledgements may be sent to Belinda Beaubouef at (https://Belinda.beaubouef@Outlook.com 121 Woods Lane, Grand Cane, La 71032).