Phonetic: /kav-ul-KAYD/
Part of Speech: Noun
Definition
Cavalcade most often refers to a series of related things. An older meaning, still in use, is “a procession of riders or carriages”; vehicles or ships in a procession can be referred to as a cavalcade too.
Since the high-powered console’s debut late last year, video game companies have steadily unveiled a cavalcade of new games that showcase its groundbreaking graphics.
Betty L. Duvall
January 24, 1939 – June 23, 2026
Service: Friday, June 26, 2026, 3pm at Osborn Funeral Home, Shreveport.
Matthew Scott Thrash
January 31, 2001 – June 23, 2026
Service: Saturday, June 27, 2026, 10:30am at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Shreveport.
Renee Vaughn
April 11, 1972 – June 23, 2026
Service: Monday, June 29, 2026, 11am at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home, Shreveport.
Sandra Jean Dolan
July 14, 1940 – June 22, 2026
Service: Friday, June 26, 2026, 10:30am at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home, Shreveport.
Gigi Ferlito
August 27, 1962 — June 22, 2026
Service: Thursday, June 25, 2026, 2pm at Aulds Funeral Home, Shreveport.
Dean H. Massey
January 24, 1937 – June 21, 2026
Service: Thursday, June 25, 2026, 1pm at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home, Shreveport.
Marilyn Geneva Lee Parker
September 17, 1932 – June 21, 2026
Service: Saturday, June 27, 2026, 12:30pm at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Church, Shreveport.
Janie Mae Smith
October 25, 1925 – June 21, 2026
Service: Saturday, June 27, 2026, 10am at Baptist Temple Baptist Church, Shreveport.
Gabrielle Johnson Aziz
Sep 28, 1987 — Jun 20, 2026
Service: Saturday, June 27, 2026, 3pm at Winnfield Funeral Home, Shreveport.
Carolyn Jenette Magee
July 6, 1941 — June 20, 2026
Service: Thursday, June 25, 2026, 11am at Rose-Neath Funeral Home Southside, Shreveport.
Phillip Ray Semon
May 27, 1942 – June 20, 2026
Service: Saturday, July 11, 2026, 11am at Kings Highway Christian Church, Shreveport.
Karen M. Bryant
May 19, 1969 – June 19, 2026
Service: Saturday, June 27, 2026, 11am at Colquitt Baptist Church, Vivian.
Dorothy Ann Jones
April 25, 1950 – June 19, 2026
Service: Monday, June 29, 2026, 11am at Bethlehem Baptist Church Cemetery, Shreveport.
Captain Linda Ann Kinchen
October 28, 1951 – June 19, 2026
Service: Saturday, June 27, 2026, 2pm at Mount Paran Baptist Church, Shreveport.
Tina Ann Nichols
September 15, 1968 – June 18, 2026
Service: Friday, June 26, 2026, 11am at Osborn Funeral Home, Shreveport.
Earnest Ray Smith
June 20, 1957 – June 18, 2026
Service: Saturday, June 27, 2026, 11am at New Bethel Baptist Church, Shreveport.
Billie Jean Webster
August 18, 1934 – June 18, 2026
Service: Friday, June 26, 2026, 11am at Hurricane Bluff Church, Shreveport.
Emma Lee Flanagan Davis
May 15, 1940 — Jun 16, 2026
Service: Saturday, June 27, 2026, 1pm at Whites Temple Church of God In Christ, Shreveport.
Elizabeth “Beth” W. Robinson
March 10, 1959 — June 16, 2026
Service: Thursday, June 25, 2026, 6pm at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Bossier City.
William Washington Sr.
March 12, 1961 – June 16, 2026
Service: Saturday, June 27, 2026, 3pm at Benevolent Funeral Home, Shreveport.
Thelma N. Harris
June 11, 1943 – June 15, 2026
Service: Saturday, June 27, 2026, 11am at Zion Baptist Church – John H. Wilson Chapel, Shreveport.
John Brennan Hussey
May 29, 1934 – June 15, 2026
Service: Saturday, June 27, 2026, 11am at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, Shreveport.
Harriet Nelson Williams
December 24, 1934 – June 15, 2026
Service: Saturday, June 27, 2026, 1pm at Morning Star Baptist Church, Shreveport.
Marcus Darrell Hays, Jr.
September 24, 2006 — June 14, 2026
Service: Saturday, June 27, 2026, 11am at Elizabeth Baptist Church, Benton.
Virginia Ann Sims Russell
November 30, 1947 – June 14, 2026
Service: Friday, June 26, 2026, 3pm at Centuries Memorial Park, Shreveport.
Mary Venus “Lizzie” Brown
October 4, 1929 – June 13, 2026
Service: Saturday, June 27, 2026, 11am at Good Samaritan Funeral Home, Shreveport.
Joyce Marie Davis McKeever
April 13, 1943 – June 13, 2026
Service: Saturday, June 27, 2026, 11am at Shiloh Baptist Church, Mooringsport.
Janice LaRue Horton
June 15, 1942 – June 12, 2026
Service: Friday, August 28, 2026, 5pm at Osborn Funeral Home, Shreveport.
Kathleen G. Mosley
March 9, 1946 – June 12, 2026
Service: Tuesday, June 30, 2026, 1pm at White Temple Church of God in Christ, Shreveport.
Glen Ross Salvaggio
October 17, 1948 – June 12, 2026
Service: Monday, July 6, 2026, 10:30am at Northwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery, Keithville.
Kenneth Smith
March 21, 1975 – June 12, 2026
Service: Saturday, June 27, 2026, 1pm at Saint Abraham Baptist Church, Shreveport.
Frederick Adolphus Collins
December 6, 1961 – June 11, 2026
Service: Saturday, June 27, 2026, 11am at Heavenly Gates Funeral Home, Shreveport.
LaToya Collins
August 18, 1982 – June 11, 2026
Service: Saturday, June 27, 2026, 11am at Roundgrove Cemetery, Shreveport.
Leo Jones
October 11, 1942 — June 10, 2026
Service: Thursday, July 2, 2026, 2am at Winnfield Funeral Home, Shreveport.
Florence L. Vinson
February 27, 1938 – June 10, 2026
Service: Saturday, June 27, 2026, 11am at Apostolic Miracle Temple, Shreveport.
Lee Otis Ceasar
January 15, 1965 – June 9, 2026
Service: Saturday, June 27, 2026, 1pm at Heavenly Gates Funeral Home, Shreveport.
Karris Verdell Hayes
September 6, 1969 – June 9, 2026
Service: Friday, June 26, 2026, 10:30am at Northwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery, Keithville.
Willie Lee Housley, III
March 25, 1966 – June 9, 2026
Service: Friday, June 26, 2026, 11am at Mount Pleasant Baptist Church, Shreveport.
Loyce Mae Singer
December 22, 1943 – June 9, 2026
Service: Saturday, June 27, 2026, 12pm at Lake Bethlehem Baptist Church Cemetery, Shreveport.
Gregory Q. Dawson
September 11, 1958 – June 7, 2026
Service: Saturday, June 27, 2026, 1pm at Benevolent Funeral Home, Shreveport.
William Gene Fann
January 15, 1943 — June 5, 2026
Service: Sunday, July 12, 2026, 2pm at The American Legion Post 14, Shreveport.
Michael Howard Taylor
July 19, 1977 – June 3, 2026
Service: Thursday, June 25, 2026, 5pm at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home, Shreveport.
Rita Roberta Poling
? – May 4, 2026
Service: Saturday, July 11, 2026, 10am at St. George’s Episcopal Church, Bossier City.
The Shreveport-Bossier Journal publishes paid obituaries – unlimited words and a photo, as well as unlimited access.
All lanes of Highway 1 northbound at Highway 173 have reopened on June 24 following an incident involving an 18-wheeler in a construction area.
The roadway was temporarily closed after the truck became stuck, prompting authorities to divert northbound traffic at Highway 173.
The Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office reported that units have cleared the scene and traffic has resumed.
A Shreveport police officer is expected to make a full recovery after suffering multiple injuries while responding to a domestic violence call June 22.
Officers were dispatched to the 10100 block of Trail Ridge Drive for a reported disorderly person. Upon arrival, they determined the incident involved an intoxicated man and a female victim who showed signs of abuse, according to the Shreveport Police Department.
As an officer attempted to separate the individuals and speak with the victim, the suspect allegedly repeatedly interrupted the investigation and refused commands. Police said the suspect became increasingly aggressive before the officer attempted to take him into custody.
During the arrest, the suspect allegedly fought with the officer, struck him multiple times and headbutted him in the face. The officer suffered a broken nose, lacerations inside his mouth and other injuries.
Despite being injured, the officer was able to take the suspect into custody.
The suspect faces three counts of domestic abuse battery with child endangerment, resisting an officer with force or violence and second-degree battery.
The Shreveport Police Department said domestic violence incidents can place victims, children, neighbors and responding officers at risk when violence escalates.
Local, state, and federal leaders gathered this week in Shreveport for a meeting focused on strengthening collaboration in the prosecution of violent offenders and improving coordination among law enforcement agencies across the region.
The meeting, hosted by the United States Attorney’s Office, was attended by Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith, along with Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill, Caddo Parish Sheriff Henry Whitehorn, Mayor Tom Arceneaux, and Caddo Parish District Attorney James Stewart. Representatives from the Louisiana State Police and other regional law enforcement agencies also participated.
Officials discussed strategies aimed at improving communication between agencies, coordinating enforcement operations, and ensuring violent offenders are effectively prosecuted and held accountable.
The Shreveport Police Department thanked the United States Attorney’s Office and Louisiana State Police for their leadership, noting that strong partnerships remain critical in efforts to reduce violent crime and improve public safety across the region.
(PROJECT UPDATE 6/23/2026): DOTD advises motorists that construction is continuing to move ahead on the ongoing $9.6 million project to repair a section of US 171 (Hearne Ave) in Shreveport.
Milling and asphalt paving operations have begun, particularly in the section of the project between W. 70th Street and LA 3132. Crews are currently working to remove the old asphalt, and replace with an all new overlay.
Additional milling/paving operations are taking place on the section of Hearne Ave. just north of W. 70th Street as well, so motorists should anticipate ongoing and intermittent lane closures.
Flagging operations to faciliate the safe movement of traffic are also necessary at times.
Construction operations will continue to move north along Hearne Avenue in order to provide a fresh driving surface to the entire length of the project, which stretches from LA 3132 to US 80 (Greenwood Road).
Drivers are urged to pay attention, utilize patience, and operate their vehicles with extreme caution through the work zone.
The entire project is on track to be complete in late Summer 2026, weather conditions permitting.
Caddo and Bossier parishes are expected to see a stretch of mostly dry weather this week, beginning with a slight chance of morning thunderstorms on Wednesday before a gradual warming trend builds into early next week.
Wednesday will be partly cloudy across both parishes with a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms during the morning hours. Highs are expected in the lower 90s with southwest winds around 5 mph and a 20 percent chance of rain. Skies will clear by Wednesday night, becoming mostly clear with lows in the mid-70s and south winds around 5 mph.
Mostly sunny conditions are expected Thursday with highs in the lower 90s and southwest winds between 5 to 10 mph. Thursday night will remain mostly clear with lows in the mid-70s and light south winds.
Friday and Saturday are forecast to be partly cloudy at times with highs continuing in the lower 90s. Nights will remain mostly clear to clear, with lows in the mid-70s.
A warming trend is expected to begin Sunday, with mostly sunny and hot conditions returning. Highs will climb into the mid-90s and overnight lows will rise into the upper 70s.
The hot pattern continues into early next week, with mostly sunny skies and highs in the mid-90s expected Monday and Tuesday. Overnight lows will remain in the upper 70s, keeping warm conditions in place across the region.
On June 19, deputies with the Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office joined troopers from Louisiana State Police Troop G and officers from the Bossier City Police Department to conduct a sobriety checkpoint in the 900 block of Highway 80 in Haughton.
During the enforcement operation, 1,358 vehicles were screened and 2,968 people were contacted throughout the duration of the enforcement detail. Deputies also conducted traffic enforcement in the area, resulting in multiple citations and arrests for various traffic and criminal violations to include but not limited to no child restraint, use of a telecommunication device when prohibited, simple obstruction of a Highway, and Possession of Schedule I.
A total of 24 Standardized Field Sobriety Tests were administered, leading to five (5) DWI arrests. Additionally, two Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) evaluations were conducted on suspected drug-impaired drivers.
This enforcement effort was made possible through a grant awarded to the Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office by the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission and is part of the agency’s ongoing commitment to reducing impaired driving and enhancing roadway safety throughout Bossier Parish.
Sheriff Whittington would like to thank the Louisiana State Police Troop G, the Bossier City Police Department, and the Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies who spent their evening working together to enhance roadway safety. Their commitment and teamwork play a vital role in removing impaired drivers from our roads and helping protect the citizens of Bossier Parish.
By Louisiana State Treasurer John Fleming, M.D.
Louisiana Republicans face an important choice in this Senate runoff election. My opponent and I offer two very different visions for the future of our state and our nation.
I entered this race because I believe Louisiana deserves a U.S. Senator who will fight for our values, challenge the political establishment, and put our citizens’ interests ahead of special interests.
The establishment is investing heavily in this race because they understand what is at stake. They know I will challenge the status quo. They know I will vote based on conservative principles rather than political pressure. And they know I will put Louisiana first.
My opponent, Congresswoman Julia Letlow, is totally controlled by Governor Jeff Landry, whose operatives are managing her campaign and whose allies are pumping millions of dollars of dark money into the race to support her with dishonest advertisements. These insiders oppose me because they know I cannot be bought, bullied, or bossed.
Throughout my career as a physician, small business owner, U.S. Congressman, and Louisiana State Treasurer, I have built a record of service rooted in conservative principles, not political convenience.
This campaign has demonstrated the difference between grassroots leadership and establishment politics. While outside groups and political operatives relied on lies attempting to influence the race, I have relied on the support of ordinary Louisianans who are tired of seeing Washington insiders dictate the future of our state. I advanced to this runoff despite being heavily outspent because voters are looking for authenticity, experience, and conviction.
In this campaign, one of the most important issues is the protection of private property rights. Louisiana landowners should never be forced to surrender property rights to allow private carbon capture companies to profit from federally subsidized projects.
Julia Letlow strongly supported President Joe Biden’s Green Energy and Climate Change agenda, including carbon sequestration. In contrast, I staunchly support MAGA and America First policies and thoroughly oppose dangerous carbon sequestration.
I also believe the federal government should focus on merit, excellence, and equal opportunity, not divisive Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs. Throughout her academic career, Julia Letlow passionately supported DEI policies, which seek to divide Americans by race, gender, or identity. In the Senate, I will vote to ensure that taxpayer dollars are not used to support DEI mandates and that federal policies reward achievement, hard work, and individual responsibility.
Louisianans are also tired of seeing elected officials enrich themselves while in office. Public service should be exactly that, service. The American people deserve confidence that their representatives are working for them rather than leveraging their positions for personal financial gain.
Sadly, the Federal Election Commission and the Department of Justice have received complaints from watchdog organizations about my opponent’s alleged campaign finance violations. While serving in Congress, Ms. Letlow admitted to 210 late stock trade filings. In contrast, there is no blemish on my record, and I did not engage in stock trading in Congress.
I have spent my career standing up for conservative values, supporting secure borders, defending the unborn, protecting the Second Amendment, and fighting for limited government.
This election is about whether Louisiana will send another politician to Capitol Hill or a proven conservative fighter who is willing to challenge the status quo.
I am asking for your vote because I will not disappoint you and will always put Louisiana first. Together, we can protect our freedoms, defend our values, and ensure that our U.S. Senate seat belongs to the people of Louisiana, not political insiders.
Mark your calendars and make plans to join us in Celebrating 27 Years of Anderson’s Produce and Plant Farm! This Saturday, June 27, we’ll celebrate serving our community with fresh produce, quality products, and hometown hospitality for 27 years.
This anniversary celebration is our way of saying thank you to the loyal customers, friends, and families who have made the past 27 years such a success.
Come ready to shop for all your favorite seasonal fruits and vegetables, picked fresh and packed with flavor. Whether you’re looking for sweet summer produce, garden-fresh vegetables, or healthy ingredients for family meals, you’ll find plenty to fill your baskets.
We are also excited to invite everyone to stop by and explore our new storefront, featuring an expanded selection of local and specialty products. Inside, you’ll discover a variety of unique items.
Shoppers can browse in air-conditioned comfort for Bush Farms Jasmine Rice, a pantry staple known for its quality and flavor. You’ll also find products from Rustic Ranch, including their popular goat milk products. Sweeten your day with locally produced Mr. Jim Pratt Honey, or spice things up with flavorful selections from Sav’s Salsa.
Nut lovers won’t want to miss the assortment of Preferred Pecan products, perfect for snacking, baking, or gift-giving. We also carry a variety of homemade-style jams, jellies, pickled products, and corn meal that bring the taste of the countryside right to your table.
Anderson’s Produce offers freshly baked artisan breads from Baked by Tenleigh. Customers have the opportunity to enjoy handcrafted breads made with care and quality ingredients.
Come hungry! Joe’s 2 Geaux will be here to serve up some of the best pizza around and The Sugar Cube will be offering thirst quenching beverages.
Art enthusiasts can browse beautiful, one-of-a-kind paintings from Wild Magnolia by Addi.
In addition to these featured products, guests will find many more unique items throughout the store, making this celebration the perfect opportunity to shop local and support small businesses.
The 27th Anniversary Celebration is more than just a shopping event—it’s a chance to gather with friends, neighbors, and fellow customers to celebrate a local business that has proudly served the community for generations. We are grateful for every customer who has walked through our doors, and we look forward to continuing to provide fresh produce, quality products, and friendly service for years to come.
We invite everyone to come out, enjoy the day, explore our new storefront, and help us celebrate this exciting milestone. Thank you for being part of the family. We can’t wait to celebrate with you on June 27th!
Anderson’s Produce and Plant Farm, half-way between LA 1 and I-49 at 858 Catfish Bend Road. Phone 318-932-1432.
It’s time to celebrate: Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame festivities begin Thursday
Three days of festivities unfold beginning Thursday through Saturday for the 2026 Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Induction Celebration in Natchitoches.
The LSHOF’s Class of 2026 will be enshrined Saturday night at the Natchitoches Events Center to culminate the 67th Induction Celebration.
The Induction Celebration will kick off Thursday with the Welcome Reception from 5-7 p.m., free to the public at the Hall of Fame museum at 800 Front Street in Natchitoches. No need to dress up, just come enjoy appetizers, entertainment and the first look at the new items the 2026 inductees have provided for display.
The Friday schedule begins with the Celebrity Bowling Bash presented by BOM at Four Seasons Bowling Center in Alexandria. Lunch is served at 11:30 with a festive warmup session for the bowlers before celebrity introductions and the competition begins about 12:45. Tickets are available at LaSportsHall.com.
The 2026 Rockin’ River Fest, a free concert on the downtown riverbank stage, begins at 6 p.m. and runs until 10:30. In conjunction with the Rockin’ River Fest is the VIP Taste of Tailgating party, a ticketed indoor-outdoor event, with an array of Louisiana dishes and specialty drinks at Mama’s Oyster House and Blues Room overlooking the Rue Beauport riverbank venue.
The slate on Saturday kicks off with the free LSHOF Junior Training Camp led by community relations personnel from the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans, along with Northwestern State coaches and this year’s Hall of Fame inductees, on the NSU campus at the Webb Wellness and Recreation Center and Turpin Stadium. This event is presented by Natchitoches Regional Medical Center and is nearing capacity. Free registration for kids ages 7-16 is required and can be easily accomplished at LaSportsHall.com.
At noon Saturday, the Round Table Luncheon presented by the Tiger Athletic Foundation is set for Riverside Reserve on Mill Street. Fox Sports broadcaster Tim Brando emcees an entertaining program.
Festivities culminate Saturday evening with the Induction Reception at the LSHOF museum beginning at 5, followed at 7 by the Induction Ceremony at the Natchitoches Events Center. Northwestern State University and State Farm Agents of Louisiana are presenting sponsors Saturday evening. A few seats are still available.
The VIP Taste of Tailgating, the Bowling Bash, the Round Table Luncheon and the Induction Reception and Ceremony are ticketed events requiring purchase in advance through LaSportsHall.com or by calling 318-238-4255.
The Thursday reception, the Friday evening River Fest and the Junior Training Camp are free.
The Class of ‘26 is headlined by a star-studded group: Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame 2025 inductee Sylvia Fowles, NFL stars Joe Horn, Todd McClure and Pat Williams, Major League Baseball All-Star Jonathan Lucroy and legendary basketball coaches John Brady, Mike McConathy and Dewain Strother.
Alexandria native and LSU baseball hero Warren Morris will receive the Louisiana Sports Ambassador Award, earning enshrinement into the LSHOF. His walk-off home run won the 1996 College World Series for LSU and resulted in the Bolton High School product becoming a lifelong spokesman for college baseball, the CWS and LSU.
LSU graduate and New Orleans native Gil LeBreton and multi-faceted Shreveporter John James Marshall are going into the Hall as the 2026 winners of the LSWA’s Distinguished Service Award in Sports Journalism. Former Tioga girls basketball coach and nationally-acclaimed high school sports administrator Kathy Holloway is being inducted as the recipient of the Dave Dixon Louisiana Sports Leadership Award.
The Induction Celebration will be hosted by the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Foundation, the support organization for the Hall of Fame. The LSHOF Foundation was established as a 501 c 3 non-profit entity in 1975 and is governed by a statewide board of directors.
For information on sponsorship opportunities and other participation, contact Foundation President/CEO Ronnie Rantz at 225-802-6040 or RonnieRantz@LaSportsHall.com, or Greg Burke, Director of Business Development and Public Relations, at 318-663-5459 or GregBurke@LaSportsHall.com via email.
Discover a Place Where Children Are Known, Valued, and Inspired
At Riverdale Academy, education is about more than academics—it’s about helping children grow into confident, capable, compassionate individuals who love learning and believe in their own potential.
From the moment you walk through our doors, you’ll notice something special. You’ll see caring teachers who know their students by name, classrooms filled with curiosity and creativity, and a community that feels more like family than a school. Here, every child matters. Every achievement is celebrated. Every dream is encouraged.
We understand that choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions a parent can make. You want a place where your child feels safe, supported, challenged, and excited to learn each day. At Riverdale Academy, we are committed to creating that environment.
Our dedicated educators work closely with students to build strong academic foundations while nurturing critical thinking, character development, leadership skills, and a lifelong love of discovery. Whether your child is taking their first steps in education or preparing for the next stage of their academic journey, Riverdale Academy provides the guidance, encouragement, and opportunities they need to thrive.
Beyond the classroom, students are empowered to explore their interests, build meaningful friendships, and develop the confidence to reach for their goals. We believe that every child possesses unique gifts, and our mission is to help those gifts shine.For example, we partner heavily with Bossier Parish Community College and Red River 4-H to offer STEM opportunities such as SeaPerch and First Robotics to our students. This year, students in 2nd-4th grades will have the opportunity to be involved in First Explore, an introduction to robotics. Students in grades 4th-12th are offered First Challenge and a chance to compete in robotics competitions. Grades 7th-12th can also participate in SeaPerch where they learn the skills to build a remote operated vehicle that will be used in competitions to complete themed missions.
Families choose Riverdale Academy because they want more than a school—they want a community that partners with them in raising successful, well-rounded young people. They want teachers who care, programs that inspire, and an environment where children can flourish academically, socially, and emotionally.
Your child’s future begins with the choices you make today.
Give them the opportunity to learn in a place where they are encouraged to dream boldly, achieve confidently, and grow with purpose.
Enrollment is now open.
Schedule a visit, meet our exceptional faculty, and experience the Riverdale Academy difference for yourself. We invite you to become part of a community where children are nurtured, challenged, and celebrated every step of the way.
For inquiries, contact sgreer@riverdaleacademy.org or hbrown@riverdaleacademy.org or check out riverdaleacademy.org or our Facebook page.
Spaces are limited. Enroll today and give your child the gift of an education that inspires a lifetime of success.
Riverdale Academy
Where every child belongs, every voice matters, and every future shines.
Riverdale Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, or national origin.
“Purpose Finding” is “in” these days.
He or she is “purpose driven.” They are “fulfilling their purpose.”
I’m sharing this ON purpose to ask if, like me, you sometimes wonder if we make things more complicated than they should be. On purpose.
Micah was a big “purpose” guy. You remember Micah. Old Testament and old school. Once wrote this:
“And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
The simplicity of Micah’s wisdom is easily evaded. Because in the chic area of ‘purpose finding,’ it is more convenient for human beings to make things complicated. It’s more comfortable too. At least for a while. Because it keeps us from the hard and dirty business of real change.
We declare we have no clue what our purpose is. The questions is sincere: “What does God really want me to do?” But that question is an excuse to dog-paddle as our lives slip away.
According to Micah, God wants us – requires us – to act justly. To love mercy. To walk humbly with Him. From that, our purpose will find us.
Is it easier to read a ‘spiritual’ book and join a Bible study than it is to do those things? I think so. Relationships involve time and deep commitment. It’s easier to read a book on marriage, to study marriage, to “get ready” to marry, than to live out a marriage. It’s easier to read a book about fence building than it is to build a fence.
To live as God requires, He has to be the heartbeat. And as He becomes the heartbeat, our purpose becomes clear. For that day. “Give us Lord our ‘daily’ bread…” And the days, and our purpose, plays out by His hand.
We have been told what is required: act justly, love mercy, walk humbly with Him. There’s our purpose, or at least the path to a more specific purpose.
Jesus didn’t carry a Daytimer, but he knew his purpose: He set his face toward Jerusalem.
He walked with intention. He walked with purpose. ON purpose.
And so, his purpose unfolded — though few would have guessed at the time that his purpose could be what it was. But with each just and compassionate act, with each humble step, he showed us what it looks like to fulfill God’s purpose.
Contact Teddy at teddy@latech.edu
For those of you who are temporary soccer fans, meaning while World Cup games play on your television daily … welcome.
Here is what to know: Watching soccer requires patience.
You might have observed — say, many years ago — that soccer (which is football in the rest of the world) is not a high-scoring game. A game with, say, three goals is a bonanza. Every now and then, in a mismatch, one team scores seven goals or five. Very much the exception.
So, welcome, 1-0, or 2-0. Or even — yikes — 0-0.
Yes, it can be a “slow-paced game.” But think golf, or baseball (especially before the major leagues installed a pitch clock). We don’t much mind the slow pace there.
But those of us who have been soccer fans for life know that there is more up-and-down the field action than soccer neophytes realize.
To see a game in person — this month to see a World Cup game in person — is a heckuva lot better than to watch on TV. To see play over the whole field in context to a television view makes a huge difference.
And people in the U.S., plus Mexico and Canada, are watching by millions on TV and by tens of thousands in full stadiums. No matter how high the ticket prices.
(How high? Seeking tickets for a game in Kansas City this week, the low price we could find — for a seat high in the Chiefs’ stadium — was $638. No, thank you. The game will look OK on TV.)
FIFA, soccer’s international organization, is raking in millions (billions?).
Americans are streaming to the games in person. And if you’ve seen the huge fan followings here of so many of the countries involved, there are amazing sounds (songs, dances, drums, pep rallies) in the streets around the stadiums and in the stands.
Borrowed this from a recent story in USA Today: Soccer has now replaced baseball as the third most popular sport in America, behind football and basketball, according to data analytics firm Ampere Analysis.
C’mon. As a baseball fan(atic) since we first saw a game, we are offended (OK, we call offside). It’s still No. 1 here, and soccer always has been 1A. Football and basketball, take a back seat now. (Sorry, it’s an un-American view).
Of course, in this country, there always will be sceptics. Have a friend, a retired Louisiana sportswriter — let’s call him Ted — who two weeks ago posted on Facebook: “No offense to World Cup fans but I have long held that unless your kid is playing, soccer is boring. This is one notion that should spread across the political spectrum. Agree or disagree?”
He followed that a few days later with, “Am I supposed to feel guilty because I could care less about the World Cup?”
No, my friend, enough people care.
We replied to his original post: “It is boring, especially for boring people. No more boring than listening to blowhard politicians.”
Another friend, from Louisiana but a longtime Texas resident, said this week, “Watching soccer I am amazed at the athleticism of the players.”
Yes, with many of these World Cup teams, these are those countries’ best athletes. They can use their feet, and they can use their heads.
Even the U.S. team now has impressive athletes. Suddenly, after two dominant victories, the Americans are thinking they could go a long way in this World Cup. A championship? Do you believe in miracles? Wouldn’t bet on it.
One aspect of World Cup play that is acceptable to most of the world but not here is games that end in a tie. There were 13 ties — four in one day — in the first 44 games. (In group play — the first three games for all teams — it’s three points for a victory, one for a tie.)
Around the world, ties are part of soccer in regular-season league play. In the U.S., we decided decades ago that ties were antiquated in football — high school, college and most-not-all NFL games. The National Hockey League regular-season games, if tied at the end of regulation, requires a brief overtime and then a penalty shootout. Of course, baseball always has had extra innings, basketball overtime, golf a playoff, etc.
Once this World Cup reaches the final 32 teams stage, ties will be broken — even not in 30 minutes of overtime, then with a penalty-kick shootout. Five shooters to begin with; team that converts the most wins. If it still tied after five shots, keep alternating shots until there is a winner.
This, we think, is stupid. This is our biggest criticism of soccer.
It’s like ending a baseball game with a home run-hitting contest, or basketball with a free-throw or 3-point shooting contest, or golf with a long-drive or putting contest.
Our idea for soccer in overtime is (1) play on, but take one man off the field every five minutes until someone scores, or (2) even better, do away with the offsides rule, giving offenses a chance for a breakaway. (It’s the offsides rule, in the first place, which makes it so difficult for teams to score.)
No one from FIFA has called for our advice.
PK shootouts? Yes, consider them a boring finish. But soccer itself is an exciting game … for open minds. Just be patient.
Contact Nico at nvanthyn@aol.com
Game ball collection shows Wossman’s Williams has career-long HOF credentials
By JAKE MARTIN, Written for the LSWA
One. Two. Three. Four…
Hang on.
Five. Six. Seven. Eight…
Counting game balls that were bestowed to Pat Williams throughout his illustrious NFL career might take a minute. More than that, actually.
Thirteen. Fourteen. Fifteen…
A 14-year NFL career that began in Buffalo with Pro Football Hall of Famer Bruce Smith saw Williams make a name for himself as one part of “The Package” alongside Ted Washington. In the late ‘90s, the Wossman High graduate squared off against Hall of Famers Dan Marino, Brett Favre and Warren Moon on the biggest stage football has to offer.
Twenty. Twenty-one. Twenty-two…
It can be argued the 6-3, 315-pound nose tackle figuratively, and quite literally, left a massive gap in Buffalo’s defense when he pursued a new team in 2004. After Williams led the front line of Buffalo’s rush defense that allowed 100.3 rushing yards per game in 2004, which was sixth best in the NFL, the Bills allowed 137.8 rushing yards per game (31st) the following year when Williams exited for Minnesota.
Twenty-eight. Twenty-nine. Thirty…
Buffalo’s rush defense worsened, while Minnesota’s rose to the best in the league. In fact, Williams’ tenure with the Vikings featured three consecutive seasons where the Vikings had the best rush defense in the NFL. Minnesota allowed just 61.6 rushing yards per game in 2006, 74.1 in 2007 and 76.9 in 2008 before “dipping” to 87.1 in 2009 when the Vikings reached the NFC Championship Game against the Saints. Over five years and 60 games played, Williams helped solidify a defense that allowed just 80.4 rushing yards per game.
Thirty-four. Thirty-five. Thirty-six. Phew.
“You know, actually that’s all that’s in here,” remembered Williams inside his man cave in his hometown of Monroe that featured one jersey of a Pro Football Hall of Famer after the next. “My son (Pat Williams II) actually has some at his apartment in Ruston. People don’t understand how hard those are to get.”
You don’t spend 14 years in the NFL and garner three Pro Bowl nods while earning the distinction of All-Pro without commanding respect across the National Football League. Williams earned every bit of that with a career that featured 672 total tackles, 20.5 sacks, nine forced fumbles and fumble recoveries and even a game-sealing fourth quarter pick six against the Miami Dolphins that saw the big man rumble into the end zone from 20 yards out.
Scan his man cave and you’ll find gems like Terrell Owens’ signed Pro Bowl cleats, Pro Football Hall of Fame memorabilia and Pro Bowl jerseys from legends like Peyton Manning and Ray Lewis. More than a decade has passed since Williams terrorized running backs like Hall of Fame back LaDainian Tomlinson, and finally at 53 years old, he’s garnered the respect he’s been looking for.
The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame couldn’t elude Williams’ big paws any longer, as one-half of the Williams Wall will cement his legacy beginning Thursday in Natchitoches as part of the LSHOF’s Class of 2026. Information on seven events, culminating with the Induction Ceremony Saturday night at the Natchitoches Events Center and televised live on LPB, is available at LaSportsHall.com or by calling 318-238-4255.
Count Kevin Williams, who represented the other half of that dominant duo on Minnesota’s defensive front, as one of many happy to see Williams finally get his day under the sun.
“What made him so good was he could do stuff a normal person couldn’t. It was hard to duplicate,” Kevin Williams said. “He had the experience, where he could read the guy was about to overreach for him and shove him by and go behind him. It was a lot of things like that.
“When I tried to do some of those things, I was like, ‘Pat, how are you doing that?’ He was wrong sometimes, but he was right more than he was wrong. It’s the little things that he brought to the game. I think we bonded because were were both hungry and desperate to succeed.”
Don’t just take his running mate’s word for it. Longtime defensive line coach Karl Dunbar, who most recently served as the Pittsburgh Steelers defensive line coach, had the opportunity to coach “Big Pat” in Minnesota. Dunbar had a come-to-Jesus meeting with the hall of fame talent about shedding some weight and being more than just a hole plugger on Dunbar’s defensive line. After Williams put in the work, shed some pounds and excelled at an All-Pro level, Dunbar was sold on his legacy.
“He’s probably the best nose tackle I’ve ever coached,” Dunbar said. “You need to have an anchor. That’s the lynchpin. If you can get gap movement, they’re going to run the ball on you all night every night. The first three years there, we led the league in rushing defense because Pat was in there.”
Achieving legendary status in the state wouldn’t even be a conversation starter without stern coaching during his youth.
Tough love under former Wossman head football coach Lonnie Calahan prepared Williams for life, and that’s something he grew to appreciate later on. After playing under Calahan at Wossman, Williams made his way to Navarro College in 1992. That’s where he became a two-time JUCO All-American before finding himself on the campus at Texas A&M.
After signing with the Buffalo Bills as an undrafted free agent in 1997, Williams asked around in the front office about why he wasn’t drafted.
“They told me they thought I had a bad attitude and that I was uncoachable,” Williams said. “I’m always going to learn.”
Williams had his chance to prove that as a rookie behind legendary defensive players like Smith.
“I was sitting in the same meeting room as Bruce, and I’m just like, ‘Bruce is sitting right there,’” Williams said, recalling his time as a rookie. “I was calling my wife every week because it was different back then. We had 100-something guys before they started making cuts. In the middle of the summer, I was like eighth string, and there were no rookies ahead of me. Ted Washington and I had the same agent, so Ted pulled me to the side and said, ‘I don’t know what you’re thinking, but you got a family. You need to do what you’ve got to do.’ Once we talked, I slowly started picking it up and rising on the depth chart.”
Marveling at Smith’s iconic performances was part of that process too.
“I was asking Bruce questions all the time. It was amazing watching him play,” Williams said. “He would take two snaps at practice, pull his hat off and go, ‘Alright young pups, y’all got it.’ Then I would watch him on Sunday’s and be like, ‘How do you play like this?’”
His production for the Bills picked up every year before becoming a full-time starter in 2001. Recognized by USA Today’s All-Joe Team as the NFL’s most overlooked, ignored and hard-working players and later being voted on by his teammates as the Ed Block Courage Award winner in 2003, Williams built a strong reputation in Buffalo before signing with the Vikings in 2005 and earning a couple more duo nicknames with Kevin Williams as the “Williams Wall” and “Williams Wrecking Crew.” Many great backs had issues getting around that wall too. Tomlinson and many others struggled to penetrate the middle of the best rush defense in the NFL. The Chargers’ “L.T.” was held to 40 rushing yards on 16 carries (2.5 yards per rush) in 2007 against the Vikings.
“When I got to the Vikings and was able to play with Kevin Williams and Jared Allen, we just made it fun,” the former Wildcat said. “We didn’t care about who we were playing. We were competing against each other. But we went against some great running backs. I tell my son that all the time. I loved playing against Curtis Martin, Barry Sanders, Marshall Faulk, Clinton Portis and Edgerrin James. I hated Eddie George because my wife loved Eddie George. I would tell her after the games, “You see how he didn’t get any yards, huh? That’s all because of you.’”
Not only did Williams face his fair share of Hall of Fame running backs, but he also went toe-to-toe with some of the greatest quarterbacks in the history of the NFL. Some he liked playing more than others.
“We hated Peyton (Manning). We would cuss him out,” Williams said, laughing. “He kept us in our stance all the time. ‘Hike the ball, man.’ Eli was the same way. Hated him too. Tom Brady talked a lot of (expletive). Brett Favre too. He would all the time, and then he came and played with me with the Vikings. My son loved Brett Favre. He used to bother (Favre) all the time in the locker room.”
Pro Bowls and other illustrious honors were nice and all, but there’s still one accolade that evaded him during his playing days that haunts him. The offseason before the New York Giants won the Super Bowl, the team inquired about signing Williams and getting him to play 20 snaps a game. Fourteen years was a long time of playing in the NFL, though, and Williams was ready to hang up his cleats.
“My son still reminds me of that. ‘If you would have signed with them, you would have gotten a ring,’” Williams said. “People don’t understand you have to work out to play. And I was done with that. At the end of the day, I was proud of the longevity of my career because I enjoyed playing. I played out all my contracts. And had an opportunity to sign with the Giants after that, so I’m proud of that.
“I like to think of myself as one of the all-time great (nose tackles). I get mad sometimes because I don’t feel the love in my own state. When we go to Minnesota, they love me there, but I don’t always feel that love (in Louisiana).”
He feels that love at Wossman. How could he not? From donating and upgrading facilities to helping out with the football team, Williams is still an integral part of Wossman High School.
“It’s all about the kids,” Williams said. “That’s how I got to where I am. Through the ups and downs, the teachers and coaches helped me with everything I did in life. If I could do it all over, I’d do it all the same.”
That path has now led him to the recognition Williams so desperately craved – and richly deserved.
Oops… Missed one. Make that thirty-seven NFL game balls for Louisiana’s newest hall of fame talent.
By PATRICK MEEHAN, Centenary Assistant AD for Communications
Four Centenary student-athletes haven been named College STUNT Coaches Association Division III second team All-Americans.
Junior Kaitlynne Anderson, senior Jo Hoffman, junior Amelia Jones and freshman Kelsey McPherson earned All-American status.
To receive All-America status in STUNT, competitors must have participated in two out of the four quarters of competition, participated in at least 75 percent of games played, must have been a vital component to team success and have that shown by their routines. They must come from teams that qualified for the national championship.
“These four Ladies have represented our program well, and I am so happy that they are getting the recognition they deserve,” said Centenary head coach Kaylee King.
“As only a second-year program, to not only qualify for nationals, but to put four athletes on the all-American team, is a big deal. These Ladies were voted for by the fellow coaches in the College STUNT Coaches Association and have received this honor for their performances and contributions to the team throughout the season.”
ACADEMIC ACCOLADES: The Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference included 50 Centenary student-athletes on its Student-Athlete Academic Honor Roll for the 2026 spring term. Across the SCAC, 936 student-athletes made the list — the second most in a single semester since the league split its spring honor roll to separately recognize winter student-athlete honorees from spring sport student-athlete honorees in 2011-12.
For the 2025-26 academic year, across the league’s 18 sponsored sports, a total of 2,199 student-athletes earned all-Academic honors, the second-most in a single academic year in league history.
Since its inception in the fall of 1997, over 39,800 male and female student-athletes have been recognized for their contributions in the classroom. To qualify, a student-athlete must maintain a minimum grade-point average of 3.25 for the term and be a regular member of a varsity athletic team in a sport sponsored by the conference
TRACK DUO HONORED: Jay Scott and Grayson Shugart were named to the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District® Men’s and Women’s Track and Field Teams.
2025-26 CENTENARY ATHLETICS HIGHLIGHTS: Here’s my list of top accomplishments for Centenary sports over the past competitive year.
• Senior gymnast Olivia Stratmann was named MIC Woman of the Year and Skyla Cruz and Amy Foret were named first team WCGNI All-Americans.
• Gavin Ferrington and Noah Walsh named USA Lacrosse All-Americans.
• Lacrosse’s Gamble Harvill scored an NCAA single-game record 14 goals on Feb. 7 against Hendrix College. It was the most goals in a game in NCAA history across all three divisions (DI, DII, and DIII).
• Quentin Beverly of men’s basketball joined the 1,000-point club on Jan. 11. He is just the 37th Gent to score 1,000 or more career points in the 102 years of Centenary men’s basketball. The senior finished his career ranked 25th all-time with 1,244 career points.
• The STUNT team finished its second season in historic fashion with run at the national tournament and four Ladies were named All-Americans.
• Ladies softball won 14 conference regular-season games — the most in a single season in the Division III era (2012-present) — and earned their 10th-straight berth in the SCAC Tournament
• Centenary student-athletes excelled in the classroom as 173 were named Academic All-Conference and 25 were named Academic All-America.
Contact Patrick at pmeehan@centenary.edu
In sports there’s nothing better than playing at home. Doesn’t matter if it’s a regular season game or a playoff game, playing at home in front of your home crowd can make a huge difference in the outcome of the game.
But there is one sport where the “home field advantage” doesn’t always pan out. In fact, it can actually be a disadvantage! The sport would be tournament bass fishing.
When you’re the “local” angler, you are usually considered the favorite due to the amount of success and knowledge you have about the lake/river.
Anglers always look forward to fishing an event on their home water. It’s an opportunity to sleep in your own bed, eat a good home cooked meal and everything is very routine. You tend to be more relaxed, but you also feel the pressure of being the favorite.
Then as you prepare for the tournament, you put a game plan together that usually involves looking at past history. This is where things can go wrong!
Just like people, anglers are creatures of habit and tend to lean towards fishing the same way we have in the past, especially when we’ve been successful on our home lake/river.
When you are fortunate enough to have an event on your home water, you want to make a good showing and hopefully bring home a win.
But why is there so much pressure on the angler who is fishing his home lake? Here’s the problem. Because you know the lake/river so well and you know so many good areas that hold fish, you can’t decide which area you should hit first.
Do you go where you caught them last year at this same time, or go where you caught them two years ago where you won the tournament? Too much history on a body of water can really clutter the brain and destroy a game plan.
Then you decide to go with your gut and start in area A where you’ve done well in the past. But after you start fishing this area on tournament day with little to no success, you start to question your decision.
Now confusion or panic sets in and you really start thinking too much! So, then you decide to fall back to Plan B to try and salvage the day and just make a good showing.
Too much knowledge on any body of water can be detrimental to putting a good game plan together and is the fear of every angler who fishes their home water, especially in a big event.
Sometimes you’re better off throwing history out the window and approach the lake like you would any body of water you’ve never fished before. This is why scouting before an event is so important. Pay attention to what the fish are doing at that particular time and make your game plan around that.
All anglers at some point make fishing complicated. We tend to try and outsmart the fish and end up outsmarting ourselves. While I’m not sure who said it, but the words “keep it simple stupid” are very fitting for bass anglers!
Contact Steve at sgraf26@yahoo.com
BOM Bank was proud to sponsor the Haughton High School Baseball Camp! Over three action-packed days, young athletes ages 6–13 sharpened their offensive and defensive skills, learned from experienced players, and competed in a fun round-robin style tournament. Campers had the unique opportunity to be coached by current and former Haughton High Buccaneer baseball players, making for an unforgettable experience on the field. Pictured left to right: BOM’s Catie Colvin and Melinda Williams with Head Baseball Coach Glenn Maynor.
I absolutely believe Americans have a lot more in common than what is depicted on the news or via social media. I’m a “glass-more-than-half-full” type of person and I wholeheartedly believe people are entitled to their own opinions and, given an opportunity to discuss those opinions, I can find some commonality with them. I do not believe that I am in the minority in my thinking. A Pew Research study conducted in 2023 found that only 4% of U.S. adults believe the political system is functioning well or very well, which means an overwhelming 96% of those polled had an unfavorable opinion of American politics. Not surprisingly, the number of Americans that consider themselves to be politically independent is on the rise (45%, news.gallop.com).
Other things the majority of Americans agree on is that teachers should be paid more (73%, yougov.com); Congress should enact laws to lower healthcare costs (91%, familiesusa.org); corporations have too much influence in politics (76 – 83%, americans-agree.org); and social security should be strengthened (79%, nationwidefinancial.com).
The overwhelming sense that Americans are becoming malcontent is not a result of divisive opinions, but rather the way we communicate those opinions. As we celebrate America’s 250th birthday, may we all embrace the words of Abraham Lincoln who wrote in a letter to Henry L. Pierce and others on April 6, 1859, “Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves; and, under a just God, can not long retain it.”
Funeral services for Carolyn Jenette Magee, 84, will be held on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2500 Southside Dr., Shreveport, Louisiana. Burial will follow at 1:30 p.m. at Oak Grove Cemetery in Converse, Louisiana. A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the start of the service at the funeral home. Officiating the service will be Pastor Roger Morton.
Carolyn was born on July 6, 1941, in Logansport, Louisiana to Johnny and Gertie Johnson and passed away on Saturday, June 20, 2026, in Bossier City.
Carolyn was a resident of Bossier City. She worked for many years as an executive assistant at TG&Y and Arkla, where she was known for her dedication and professionalism.
Carolyn enjoyed watching NASCAR races, whether on television or in person. She loved spending time with family and friends, bowling, playing bingo, and participating in activities at The Blake. An avid gardener, Carolyn had a special passion for flowers and ornamental plants. She also cherished making Christmas candy and holiday treats with family and friends and took great joy in decorating for the holidays.
A faithful member of her church, Carolyn served in the nursery and was actively involved in many church activities throughout the years. Above all, she will be remembered as a loving and devoted wife, mother, and friend whose kindness, warmth, and generous spirit touched the lives of many.
Carolyn is preceded in death by her parents; and brother, Billy Don. Left to cherish her memory is her son, Michael Magee and wife, Deanna; brother, Darrell Johnson and wife, Debbie; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and other extended family members.
Honoring Carolyn as pallbearers will be Anthony Cates, David Million II, Ernest Mitchell, Phillip Magill, Joe West, and Jeff Loftin.
The family would like to express special thanks to Bristol Hospice and The Blake and their staffs for the care and compassion given to Carolyn. A special thanks to Vanessa Million for the love and care she provided Carolyn during the last seven years.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials may be made to Barron Road Baptist Church, 1102 Barron Rd., Keithville, LA 71047 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or your church or the charity of your choice.
Carolyn will be terribly missed, but we will always love her and cherish her memory forever.
January 6, 1940 – June 8, 2026
With deep love and admiration, we proudly honor the extraordinary life of Lynn David Galloway, a man of remarkable character, integrity, and warmth.
Better known to his friends as “Dave,” he was born January 6, 1940, in Florence, AZ. He lived some of his earliest years in Sutton, AR, where many happy family times and lasting memories were born and where a part of his heart remained always. The majority of his youth and early adulthood occurred in Baton Rouge, where he graduated from Istrouma High School and LSU, after which his life took many fateful twists and turns.
He also sported several nicknames such as “Super Dave,” “Red Baron,” and countless others. All of which only reflected the love and respect of the many friends who graced him with such monikers. As a seasoned pilot, scratch golfer, talented musician and excellent businessman, his friendships extended far and wide. Even with all his accomplishments, his greatest joy came from family; human, canine, and feline as well as the love shown by scores of friends.
Dave passed away June 8 in Shreveport, LA after a lengthy illness. He is preceded in death by his parents, Alvin and Faye Andres Galloway; son, Michael David Galloway; brothers Richard Gary Galloway and Donald Wayne Galloway; aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents he loved deeply and whose life lessons, taught with love, served him well throughout his life. Also preceding him in death is a score of beloved canines and felines, rescued and redeemed by his love and devotion to them.
Dave’s legacy of love stretches across generations of family. He is survived by his wife, Lynn Dix; son, Richard W. Galloway and wife, Linda; daughter, Melissa D. Galloway; five grandchildren (Ricky W. Galloway II and fiancée, Damary; David A. Galloway and wife, Katy; James Owens and fiancée Mary Kate; Jordan Owens; and Emilynn Cochran); four great-grandchildren and one rescue pup, Tiny.
A service to honor his memory will be held at the First United Methodist Crossroads, 411 Second Street in Natchitoches, LA, on Saturday, June 27. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. with service to follow at 11 a.m.
Dave always said, “Do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.” His professional life exemplified this mantra to the fullest by his profound love for music and flying. As Dave left this earthly life, we delight to imagine his exhilaration of being engulfed by heavenly harmonies as he soared into the arms of his Savior.
The family offers heartfelt thanks to Allison, Autumn, Don, Eileen, Jane, Noli, Sarah and Sheryl of Life Path Hospice for your compassionate care. Extra special thanks go to Dr. Robert Hernandez, devoted physician and friend whose kindness and gentle care have been most appreciated and will forever be remembered.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Dave’s honor to one of his favorite causes. FAUNA (Friends All United for Natchitoches Animals), PO Box 2552, Natchitoches, LA 71457; St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105; Shriners Children’s Shreveport, 3100 Samford Avenue, Shreveport, LA 71103; or the charity of your choice, gifting love to those in greatest need.
I had it. Oh, I had it.
The greatest idea in the history of these Ponderings. Pulitzerworthy. Heavensanctioned. The kind of idea that makes you sit up straighter in your car at the Walgreens red light and think, “Well now… that’s good.”
I remember exactly where I was when it arrived. I was headed to Tractor Supply to look at things I will never use in my life. I call this “expanding my horizons,” though my horizons remain suspiciously unchanged. Still, there I sat—traffic creeping, inspiration soaring. The idea was brilliant. It was illuminating. It was humorous. It was under six hundred words. It was perfect.
And then a voice in my head whispered, “This one is unforgettable. No need to write it down.”
Never trust that voice. That voice lies. That voice is the same one that says, “You don’t need a grocery list,” and “You’ll remember where you parked,” and “You can fix that without reading the instructions.”
The truth is: I have absolutely no idea what the idea was. None. I don’t know if it was about faith or farming or ferrets. I don’t know if it was animal, mineral, or vegetable. It has vanished. Gone. Evaporated. Or worse—someone else posted it on social media this morning and is now being hailed as a genius. If you read something brilliant, illuminating, and humorous today, it was probably mine.
I do remember this much: it had something to do with a Yiddish proverb I’m using in a sermon later this month. It goes like this: “If one man calls you an ass, pay him no mind. If two men call you an ass—go buy a saddle.” I thought it was brilliant, illuminating, and humorous. I just forgot what else went with it.
Do you forget? Because I do. More and more. As I grow more “mature” (which is the polite churchnewsletter way of saying “things are starting to creak”), I’ve noticed my mind isn’t quite as quick as it once was. I forget names. I forget appointments. I forget why I walked into the kitchen. I even forgot to read an online article about remembering not to forget.
But here’s the tender truth tucked inside all this forgetfulness:
God remembers you. Every bit of you. Not the polished version you wish you were—you. He remembers you with love, with delight, with the kind of attention usually reserved for an only child. And while God remembers you, He chooses to forget something else entirely:
Your sins. When you confess them, He doesn’t file them, store them, or keep them in a drawer labeled “For Later Use.” He forgets them. Completely. Eternally. Joyfully. So if God has forgotten your sins, why are you still lugging them around like a saddle you never needed to buy?
Maybe the real brilliance—the idea I lost somewhere between Walgreens and Tractor Supply—is simply this:
Your memory may fail you, but God’s mercy never does. And that’s something worth remembering.
