Roll Call Tribute

Ardis V. Almond 

February 13, 1949 - November 21, 2024 

With heavy hearts and fond memories, the family of Ardis Almond (“Papa”) announces his passing on November 21st, 2024, at the age of 75. Ardis was born on February 13th, 1949 in Shreveport, Louisiana to Laurie and Flo Almond, and lived a life full of love, laughter, and adventure.

A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Ardis is survived by his wife, Patricia Almond, his sister Renee Almond Hill, his children Vince (Tayja) Almond and Jennifer (Bryan) Fowler, and grandchildren Harley (Chris) Baker, Mystery Almond, Abby Fowler, Avery Fowler, Alyssa Fowler, and Ashley Fowler.

Ardis attended Texas A&M University where he honorably served in the Corps of Cadets. Ardis went on to earn a degree as a mechanical engineer from Texas A&M, and later used that education to design and build much of what is still being used at the Almond Brothers sawmill today. He always liked to say, “Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without.” After graduation and before starting his career in the sawmill business, he proudly served in the United States Army, as an officer. From the date of service until his passing, Ardis proudly honored servicemen and veterans and profoundly understood the sacrifice and dedication that it took to serve our nation.

In between studying engineering, and supporting the Aggies, Ardis met the love of his life, Pat. Throughout their years together, Ardis and Pat shared a deep passion for travel. They explored the world together, and they eventually found it challenging to discover new places they hadn’t yet been. Their journeys together were a testament to their shared curiosity and love for life, which Ardis exemplified every day.

Throughout his life, Ardis touched many people with his kindness, knowledge, and love of Aggie Football. He only ever missed two home Texas A&M football games: one when his granddaughter was getting married, and another one when his granddaughter won a poetry contest. The only thing he loved more than football was his family.

In his career, Ardis was appreciated for his leadership in the sawmill/forestry industry, as President of Almond Brothers Lumber Co. from 1983 to 2020. In addition to his leadership positions in the company, he was greatly respected and admired across the entire lumber industry, having served as the president of the Southeastern Lumber Manufacturer Association in 2004. His leadership and wisdom will be missed as he felt like everyone at the company were part of the family.

On Friday nights, you could usually find Ardis on the sidelines of the local high school football games firing the cannon after touchdowns. He was a constant supporter of Vince and Jennifer’s athletics, always so proud to watch Vince kick field goals, or Jennifer play basketball and cheer. He continued with the love and pride of his family by attending almost every event each of his grandchildren would participate in, including basketball, school events, art shows and awards, volleyball and cheerleading competitions.
One of the major loves of his life was the construction of a home-built airplane that he and his family, along with his father-in-law, built outside his home in Coushatta. After building the airplane and being the first to fly it, he spent the next several decades flying. Taking friends and family flying in his plane was truly one of his greatest passions.

Ardis was a friend to nearly everybody he met. He had a rare and extraordinary quality of meeting people, showing genuine interest in who they were, and what they loved; remembering and genuinely wanting to hear more about those interests the next time he saw them. He was gracious and faithful to everyone in his path. As a result, Ardis truly had so many lifelong friends.

In addition to all of his accomplishments and the love he had for his family and friends, maybe the easiest thing for people to see in Ardis was his love for and relationship with Jesus Christ. He was benevolent with his blessings and his faith. He willingly shared his faith with family, friends, employees, and strangers, always walking strongly and courageously with his creator.

A celebration of Ardis’s life will take place on Sunday, December 1st at 3pm at First Methodist Church in Coushatta.