Rodney Joseph "Smokie" Bourgeois Jr.

1942 - 2020

Rodney Joseph "Smokie" Bourgeois was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on January 3, 1942, where he was raised and spent most of his life until his passing on October 2, 2020. He attended Catholic High but graduated from Baton Rouge High. He worked a range of jobs from bank teller to welder before realizing he wanted his own enterprise. Smokie moved to South Padre Island, Texas, and owned and operated a jet-ski rental as his first endeavor. After the death of his father, Smokie returned to Baton Rouge to help his mother. From there, he owned and operated the General Store and bought Georges Restaurant, which he grew from one small restaurant into a successful three store enterprise that was once featured on ESPN GameDay. He put Georges on the map with great food and witty ads, such as featuring covered parking (the Perkins Road overpass). He also developed The Settlement Shopping Center on Jefferson Hwy. One of his favorite states in America was Maine, and his love of the climate, people, and lobster brought him back year after year. Among his other endeavors, Smokie served as the Metro City Councilman for District 12 and was a champion for those who did not have a voice. He was motivated by citizens and heard their complaints as they dined at Georges. He answered every constituent's phone call and held local government accountable when no one else would. He never met a stranger and lived his life fearlessly. Smokie gave opportunities to people when no one else would and performed many anonymous deeds for the sake of helping others. Beyond all that, his biggest passions in life were his family, riding motorcycles, and sailing. He is survived by his wife, Cecelia Selser; daughter Monique Brown (husband Scott); son Jeffrey Bourgeois (wife Marienne); stepdaughter Frances Amos; stepson Warren Amos (wife Shannon); and seven grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Josephine and Rodney Bourgeois, Sr., and sister, Jo Ann Bourgeois. A visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 14, 2020, from 6 to 9 pm at Rabenhorst Funeral Home Downtown, 825 Government Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70802. The memorial service will also be held at the Funeral Home on Thursday, October 15, 2020 at 10:00 am. Interment at Roselawn Memorial Park will immediately follow the services.