Cecil Charles Broussard, Sr.

Just four days shy of his 93rd birthday, Cecil C. Broussard passed away peacefully surrounded by his family. Leaving behind a lifetime of love, faith, and devotion to his family and community, he lived a full and meaningful life. If you ever asked him how he was doing, his answer was always, “I am blessed.”

Born and raised in New Iberia, Louisiana, Cecil was the son of Otto J. Broussard and Nella Segura Broussard. In 1951, while working as a swimming instructor at the LSU pool, he met Beatrice Bradley. By 1952, they became an item, and in 1954, they were married. For more than 70 years, Cecil and Bea built a life together, raising a large family, growing businesses, and creating countless cherished memories.

Cecil’s legacy lives on through his family: Beth Broussard Allison and husband Don of Baton Rouge, LA, J. Barton Broussard and wife Tracy of New Iberia, LA, Beatrice “Teenie Bea” Broussard Reddeck and husband Tony of Orlando, FL, Brumby Broussard and wife Misti of Baton Rouge, LA, Daughter-in-law Kathy Breaux Broussard of Lafayette, LA.

He also leaves behind his brother Tim Broussard and wife Faye, sisters-in-law Susie Bradley Burnett of Midland, TX, and Henri Frazier Bradley of Frisco, TX, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

His grandchildren and great-grandchildren were his pride and joy: Grandchildren: Ashley Allison Bugea (John), Amber Allison (Kat), Aubrey Allison (Adam), Caroline Broussard Carroll (Alex), Andrew Broussard (Alaina), Matthew Broussard, Carter Broussard, Webb Broussard (Katelyn), Cole Broussard, Avery Reddeck, Jack Reddeck, Brogan Broussard, and Bronson Broussard. Great-grandchildren: Charlie, John Luke, and Thomas Bugea, Gray and Kate Carroll, Molly and Lucille Broussard, and Chumaloo on the way. 

Cecil was preceded in death by his wife Beatrice Bradley Broussard, his parents, his sons Cecil Broussard Jr. and Bradley J. Broussard, his granddaughter Mary Kathryn Broussard, and his brothers-in-law Gary Burnett, Tommy Bradley, and John Bradley.

Cecil was always on the move, whether it was Boy Scouts, football (mostly bench-warming), boxing, or elocution contests. He graduated from New Iberia High School in 1950, earning the American Legion Award, which recognized his leadership and character.

After earning his degree from LSU in 1955, he joined the U.S. Air Force and became a multi-engine pilot. Once his service ended, he and Bea moved back to New Iberia to grow their family and careers.

Cecil had a knack for business and a heart for people. He started as a car salesman at LeBlanc and Broussard Ford before co-founding Auto Mart GMC with his dad, Otto, which later expanded to Auto Mart GMC & Lincoln Mercury. In 1978, he became the sole owner and later opened a second dealership in St. Joseph, Louisiana, home of Lake Bruin. There, he and Bea built a lake house that became a gathering place for family and friends, and a whole lot of good stories that continue to entertain. 

Cecil believed in giving back to his community, and he walked the walk. Some of the ways he made a difference were serving as President of the New Iberia Jaycees, President of the New Iberia Kiwanis Club, Chairman for fundraising drives for Crippled Children & United Way, serving as an Iberia Parish School Board Member for 6 years, teaching Catechism at Catholic High for public school students, and serving on the Board of Iberia Savings & Loan (IberiaBank) for more than 30 years.

Even after selling his dealerships, Cecil stayed busy running Budget Rent-A-Car, which provided jobs for LSU students (including his own kids). He later returned to the Lincoln-Mercury business and helped as a loan troubleshooter for Iberia Savings.

Cecil led a full and joyful life, always guided by his faith, family, and a desire to give back. In his later years, he found peace and fulfillment in daily Mass, cherishing the opportunity to start each day with prayer and gratitude.

He was a husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, great-grandfather, businessman, mentor, and friend. He built a life full of love, laughter, and service, and though he will be dearly missed, his legacy will live on through the many lives he touched.

A funeral Mass will be held at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, 108 East St. Peters Street, New Iberia, Louisiana, on Monday, February 24, at 11:00 AM, with burial to follow at Holy Family Cemetery. On Sunday at 5:00 PM, Pellerin’s Funeral Home will be open to the public with a rosary at 6:30 PM, and again on Monday from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association or St. Peters Catholic Church in New Iberia in Cecil’s honor.

Pellerin Funeral Home, 502 Jefferson Terrace, New Iberia, LA 70560 (337.365.3331)