With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Mr. Coty Dupré on Sunday, January 9, 2022. Coty was the Chairman of the Board of Dupré Logistics for 33 years. His family, colleagues, and employees remember his kindness and integrity in the wake of his passing. He left behind an extraordinary legacy and an impact on us all.
A Meaningful Career
Coty joined in the United States Navy at the age of 17 after graduating from Grand Prairie High School in 1944. He served as Seaman 1st Class on the USS Topeka and saw duty in Japan, China and other Pacific theaters. Subsequent to the war, Coty attended SLI (ULL) and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Agriculture in 1950. After a business career with FHA originating and closing farm loans, Coty began his 35-year career with Canal Refining Company in 1953, starting as a salesperson. He was promoted to general sales manager and, shortly thereafter, became Vice President. Ultimately, he became President and served in this capacity for many years. His goal was to make Canal a strong independent in the downstream oil and gas business and, through his vision and unique marketing style, he achieved this goal with tremendous success. Many Acadiana residents certainly remember the Canal television commercials featuring Coty promoting the Canal brand and other sundry products.
In 1988 he retired from Canal, transitioning his career into the transportation and logistics industry serving as Chairman of the Board of Directors at Dupré Logistics. Coty’s business acumen and genuine style of building business relationships proved invaluable to Dupré Logistics. Coty’s presence at Dupré Logistics made a significant influence on the employees as well.
A Lasting Impact
Coty was a valuable member of the community and made an impression on all those who had the opportunity to interact with him. Many of the Dupré Logistics team members have fond memories of how he impacted their lives.
Al LaCombe thinks back on all the traits he always admired about Mr. Coty in the time he knew him, “The memory of him is many. Such a man that carries himself as a businessman but stops to greet everyone when he approaches and enters a room. He was a patient man that takes the time to listen to one in a conversation or a group setting. A leader with integrity that people want to follow in business.”
“He was happy go lucky and always had a story to tell.” – Derwin David
Keith Delcambre, who knew Mr. Coty for over 35 years, shares his memories of their time together, “When I think of him, I think of consistency. He was intimate in branding and building the company. He had an open-door policy no matter if you wanted to talk business or personal. He was my mentor, taught me the business, and facilitated what we are today. He led by example and was truly involved. He acknowledged you, showed his appreciation for you. He was my golfing buddy. He took me fishing, hunting, on trips… if he enjoyed it, he shared it.”
Cheryl Broussard knew Mr. Coty for over 37 years and thinks back on the years spent working with him. “When I think of him, the words sincere and humble come to mind. He became the grandfather figure to most of us old-timers at Dupré. It was a great honor to know him and to know him was to love him.”
Kay Richard also recalls the joy she got from working in such close proximity to Mr. Coty, “Mr. Coty sat across the hall from me and he would hear me talking to myself. He would say ‘Kay, are you talking to yourself again.’ I would say ‘Yes sir Mr. Coty.’ He would laugh and say ‘Well, I guess it’s okay as long as you don’t start answering yourself.’ He used to make me laugh. He was always so pleasant and wouldn’t turn a sweet down. I will miss him.”
A Generous Heart
He dedicated himself to giving back to his family, community, and employees. Beyond his business endeavors, he was instrumental in numerous organizations in the Acadiana community.
Coty was a loving father and mentor to his children and friends as well. He was an avid outdoorsman, and loved to hunt, fish, and golf with his family and friends. Coty Dupré will be sorely missed by his wife of 72 years, Wilda Chachere Dupré, their five children, ten grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren, as well as all of us here at Dupré Logistics.
In remembrance of Coty Reginald Dupré, Sr.’s life, the family asks that any charitable donations be made in his memory to Hope for Opelousas (330 E. Madison, Opelousas, La, 70570), Orphan Train Society, Inc. P.O. Box 729, Opelousas, La. 70571 or the charity of your choice.
You can read the full obituary here: Coty Dupré Obituary