Dr. William Marvin Bourn II

Dr. William Marvin Bourn II, of Monroe, Louisiana, went home to glory on March 13, 2025, following a very tough battle with esophageal cancer. He was 82.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Rachel Bourn; his brother, Joe Bourn; and his wife of 53 years, Marsha Lea Matlock Bourn. He is survived by his wife, Mary Sissy Hammack Bourn; her children, Keith Hammack, Emily Little (Stacy) and their children Micah Little Honeycutt (Luke), Jacob Little and Macy Kate Little; his daughters, Virginia Lea Bourn Knight (Brad), Catherine Elaine Bourn Shelton (Kevin), and Carolyn Anne Bourn Mathis (Corbet); grandchildren, Hannah Grace Knight Coogan (Taylor), William Landon Knight, and Mark William Shelton; 3 nieces; and 3 nephews.

Bill was born in Carlsbad, New Mexico on October 18, 1942, to Rachel Lillian Bird Earnest and William Marvin Bourn. Bill grew up in Carlsbad where he loved hiking the hills of the desert, hunting and spending time outside. After graduation from Carlsbad High School Bill attended New Mexico Military Institute and then went on to graduate from University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy, during which time he met and married Marsha Lea Matlock. After pharmacy school, Bill attended the University of Arizona where he earned his Ph. D. in pharmacology.

In 1974 Bill and Marsha moved to Monroe, Louisiana where they raised their 3 girls and Bill worked at ULM teaching pharmacology and doing research. After several years of teaching, he moved into administration where he served 18 years as the Dean of the College of Pharmacy. He fondly became known as “the students Dean” and was an ardent advocate for the profession of pharmacy. He served on many committees and boards, supporting pharmacists locally, throughout the state, and beyond. He loved his pharmacy friends across the state that truly are extended family.

After the untimely death of Marsha in 2017, Bill met Sissy while attending the pastor’s Bible study. They soon married and have enjoyed traveling together and many adventures with their friends from North Monroe Baptist Church. Bill’s gift of teaching reached beyond the university where he served in Sunday School and Life Group at NMBC for almost 50 years. He loved the Lord and was a committed follower of Jesus. He was a fine, godly gentleman that loved us all so well. We will miss him dearly.

For those interested in making a memorial donation, we ask that you please consider the Bill and Marsha Bourn Endowed Scholarship ULM College of Pharmacy. Checks payable to ULM Foundation, note Bourn Scholarship on memo line and please mail to ULM College of Pharmacy Attn: Mary Rhea 1800 Bienville Ave Monroe, LA 71201.