William Cleveland Tolbert

William Cleveland Tolbert, age 91, passed away peacefully on August 14, 2026, at The Woodleigh of Baton Rouge nursing home in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Born in St. Joseph, Louisiana, to the late Cleveland and Grace Tolbert, William was raised in Vidor, Texas. On September 15, 1956, he married his loving wife, Billie Sue Dubose of Jasper, Texas, sharing a lifetime of devotion until her passing on November 4, 2022.

After earning his degree in Mechanical Engineering from Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas, William served on active duty as a Cryptologic Seaman in the United States Navy from 1957 to 1959, followed by a decade in the U.S. Navy Reserves. He went on to enjoy a distinguished career in electrical power transmission, distribution, generation, and operations.

A member of Ascension Baptist Church in Gonzales, Louisiana, William found great joy in life’s simple outdoor pleasures. He loved spending time with family and friends, freshwater fishing, and camping—a passion he cultivated as a young man in the Boy Scouts of America and later passed down as a father.

Above all, William was a devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Affectionately known as “Pawpaw,” he is survived by his children: Sue Tolbert of Prairieville, LA; Cheryl Tolbert of Prairieville, LA; and Ritchie “Ritch” Tolbert and his wife, Christy, of Fort Worth, TX; four grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and his sister-in-law, wife of his late brother, in Vidor, TX.

In addition to his beloved wife and parents, William was preceded in death by his brother, Wayne Tolbert.

A private service will be held at Carter Cemetery in Rockland, Texas.