The Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of retired NPSO Deputy Sgt. Billy Shugart Jr., who passed away on Aug. 13 following a sudden medical event at a Shreveport hospital.

Sgt. Shugart faithfully served the citizens of Natchitoches Parish under the administration of retired Sheriff Victor Jones Jr.

Sgt. Shugart began his career with the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office in 2004 and retired in 2019 after 15 years of dedicated service. During his career, he served in the Patrol Division, where he earned the rank of Sergeant. He later transferred to the Warrants Division and concluded his career serving as a civil process server.

In addition to his regular duties, Sgt. Shugart proudly served as a member of the NPSO Honor Guard. As part of that service, he represented the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office in Washington, D.C., during National Police Week, joining law enforcement officers from across the nation in paying tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

Throughout his years of service, Sgt. Shugart was a valued member of the NPSO family, and we are grateful for his dedication to the Sheriff’s Office and the citizens of Natchitoches Parish.

Deputy Shugart was also deeply devoted to his faith and served as a Baptist preacher at area churches, faithfully ministering to members of his community.

Sgt. Shugart is survived by his wife, Sherry, his daughters, and extended family.

Sheriff Stuart Wright, along with the deputies and staff of the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office, extends our sincere condolences, thoughts, and prayers to Sgt. Shugart’s family, friends, former colleagues, and all who knew him during this difficult time.

We honor Sgt. Billy Shugart Jr. for his years of dedicated service and mourn his passing alongside his family and friends.

Service: Thursday, August 20, 2026 at 2 pm at First Baptist Church Natchitoches

Visitation: 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM