Shirley Savoy*

Shirley Savoy was an accomplished Francophone actor who starred in many French plays with Theatre Cadien.

He served with the U.S. Navy in the World War II Pacific campaign. Savoy joined the Navy in June 1941 and was a member of bomber squadron VPB53 flying PBY-5A Black Cats. He was honorably discharged 24 October 1947 and attended many squadron reunions throughout the years after the war. He participated in the Honor Air program, of which he was particularly proud.

After the military, Shirley was a lifelong barber and hairstylist who attended New Orleans School of Cosmetology. He worked with his father at Savoy’s Barber Shop on Johnston and Lee Avenue for many years. Later, he owned his own shop on Johnston Street in Lafayette. He worked at Lloyd’s of Lafayette finding a home with good friends to end his career. He attended numerous state and world hairstyling competitions. His profession brought him many lifelong friends who were dearly remembered to the end.

He enjoyed golf, starting at an older age so that his children would learn the game. He continued to be an avid player until late in life. He was active in French plays and was able to use his knowledge of Cajun French adding an authentic touch to his performances. He also gained many good friends through acting. He was proud of his heritage and always tried to promote the Cajun culture.

Savoy was born 5 April, 1919, in Youngsville, LA and died on August 1, 2013 at the age of 94. He had been a lifelong resident of Lafayette. He was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Lorraine Miller Savoy, parents Leonce and Laurence Savoy and sisters, Joyce Torok and Bernice Williams and an infant daughter Susan.

* Asterisk after a person’s name indicates that the person is deceased.