Dr. William "Bill" Slaughter

1942 - 2024

Dr. William 'Bill' Slaughter, a cherished leader in the Baton Rouge business community for over 50 years, passed away on October 2, 2024, at the age of 81. Born on December 16, 1942, Bill was a visionary entrepreneur, dedicated educator, and devoted family man whose impact on both the professional and civic landscapes was profound. In 1970, Bill founded SSA Consultants, where his exceptional problem-solving skills and strategic insight helped shape the success of hundreds of private and public sector organizations across Louisiana. His diverse clientele included Fortune 500 companies, non-profits, and government entities. Colleagues and clients alike will remember Bill for his transformational guidance, unwavering positivity, and his core belief that strong relationships are the cornerstone of any achievement, whether in business or in life. Bill's passion for education led him to share his knowledge as a professor at Southeastern Louisiana University early in his career. In 2009, he returned to academia as an adjunct professor at the E.J. Ourso College of Business at Louisiana State University, enriching the Flores MBA Program with his wealth of real-world experience and wisdom. Throughout his life, Bill supported numerous civic, cultural, and business organizations. He served on several boards, including LSU's E.J. Ourso College of Business Administration Dean's Advisory Council, the Southeast Super-Region Committee, Roy O. Martin Lumber Company, Alzheimer's Services of the Capital Area, and the Capital Area YMCA. His leadership and commitment to community development were instrumental in fostering growth and collaboration across various sectors, resulting in the design and direction of projects such as Blueprint Louisiana and Louisiana Calling. His dedication to the Baton Rouge community earned him numerous honors over the years. In 2004, LSU recognized Bill's significant contributions by inducting him into the Hall of Distinction at the E.J. Ourso College of Business. In 2012, he received the Volunteer Activist Award from the Baton Rouge Speech and Hearing Foundation for his more than 40 years of dedicated philanthropy and volunteerism. That same year, he was honored with the Chancellor's Sesquicentennial Service Award, celebrating individuals who have gone beyond the scope of their job or organizational requirements to contribute their time and talents to LSU and the community for the common good. Most recently, he received the 2023 Dudley Coates Excellence in Leadership and Philanthropy Award from Alzheimer's Services of the Capital Area. Bill's educational journey laid the foundation for his lifetime of leadership and service. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, followed by a Master of Business Administration and a Doctorate in Management from LSU. He also honorably served his country as a Sergeant in the US Army. Beyond his professional achievements, Bill was an avid duck hunter, a wine aficionado, and a captivating storyteller at the dinner table. He relished the excitement of LSU football Saturdays and treasured relaxing weeks at the beach with his family. An enthusiastic traveler, Bill especially loved meeting people from different cultures, making friends wherever he went, and collecting stories about their lives - from the airport to the cab, the hotel to the restaurant. At the heart of Bill's life was his family. He is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Christel Slaughter and his three sons: Will (Betsy), a professor who carries on Bill's passion for education; Michael (Danielle), who shares his gift for finance and numbers; and David (Rachael), who upholds his legacy as the founder of a Baton Rouge business serving the community. He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren, Christopher, Matthew, and Olivia; his sister, Eugenia Slaughter McClendon (William); and his brother, John Jarman Slaughter (Hilary Duchein). Bill passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones. His legacy of leadership, service, and compassion will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and the countless individuals whose lives he touched. A Mass celebrating Bill's life will be held at St. Jude Catholic Church on Thursday, October 10, 2024. Visitation will begin at 3:30 p.m., followed by the Mass at 4:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Alzheimer's Services of the Capital Area or a charity of your choice in his memory. Bill's indomitable spirit, warm heart, and unwavering dedication to making a positive difference have left an enduring mark on the world. His life serves as an inspiration to us all.