Former McNeese football player Rudie Soileau, Sr., a 1956 All-Gulf States Conference selection on the offensive line, passed away on May 23 at the age of 83.
 
Soileau, a native of New Orleans, played two seasons at McNeese in 1955 and 1956 under head coach John Gregory, and was considered, despite his small size, one of the best guards in the conference.
 
He helped guide the Cowboys to a 7-1-1 record in 1955, his first season after transferring from Hinds Junior College where he was a member of the national championship squad.
 
He is also a member of the Hinds Football Hall of Fame.
 
He is survived by many family members and friends, including his grandsons, Jeffrey and Ryan, and his granddaughter, Isabella; Jeffrey and his wife, Lorianne, and Ryan and his wife, Summer, blessed Rudie with great grandchildren, Grady, Riley and Hadley.
 
He is also survived by his son, Rudie, Jr., and his wife, Trena, who became Rudie, Sr.'s most cherished person after Mary passed away in 2015.
 
Rudie was filled with great joy, pride and satisfaction when watching his grandchildren participate in activities from football to soccer to dance.
 
His family is starting up a scholarship in his name at McNeese through the McNeese Athletic Foundation and will be eternally grateful of any donations made in his memory.
 
Soileau was laid to rest on May 26 in Lake Charles.