Archie Charles Bourgeois was born in Franklin, Louisiana on June 1, 1922 to Christopher and Lena Bourgeois. He was the eldest of eight children. After losing his father at the age of 7, Archie worked odd jobs to help his mother raise his siblings. Times were especially hard as it was the beginning of the Great Depression.  In 1941, Archie enlisted into the US Army, serving as a Private in the 96th-Engineer Platoon. Archie and his platoon built and maintained airstrips for Airforce boomers in Australia, the Marshall Islands, New Genie, and the Philippines.

Many of his fellow soldiers chose to stay in Germany rather than return to America. Archie considered staying is Germany also.  However, in 1945 he decided to take an honorably discharged and returned home to help his mother. It didn't take long to learn that the "Jim Crow" south had not changed. While on a train returning home, he and his fellow black soldiers were forced to give up their seats in the dining cars to German prisoners of war. As a result, he and a friend decided to pursue career opportunities with the auto industry in Detroit, Michigan.

While living in Houston waiting to move to Detroit, Archie's sister, Alaska ask him to meet her friend Benedict Baptiste in Houston because she was unable to. Benedict introduced Archie to her sister Lillie. At first Lillie showed no interest in Archie. Over time, he won her over and decided to mailed Lillie an engagement ring. Lucky for him, she didn't mail it back.  As a result, he assumed that they were going to get married. His assumption was correct. On September 24,1946, he and Lillie Baptiste were married on a plantation just outside of Franklin Louisiana. They immediately boarded a train that day and moved to fifth ward in the heart of Houston, Texas.

Archie started a career with Southwestern Bell working in maintenance, repairing cars and trucks while attending barber college. In 1948, Archie opened his own barbershop and rented chairs to other barbers. Archie later became the first African American to be promoted to a telephone installer and repairmen.

Shortly afterward, Archie was initiated into the Masons and later took on the responsibility of maintaining the True Lever Lodge in Fifth ward Texas. In 1952, Archie and Lillie moved to Galena Park, TX, where they raised 5 children, and was married to Lillie for 67 years until her death in 2013.

Archie retired after 37 years of service with Southwestern Bell and later served as a mentor for two years at the Juvenile Correction Center in Houston, Texas. He was blessed to live in retirement for 40 years.

With the influence of his wife, Archie gave his life to Christ. He and his family joined the Historical Bethel Baptist Church where he served as an Usher, Trustee. and Deacon for over 50 years. More recently, Archie served as a Deacon at Sweet Homes Baptist Church over the past 15 years.

Archie was the rock of the family, working overtime, and running a business to provide his children with a great quality of life and the opportunity to pursue a higher education than was afforded to him.

Archie is preceded in death by his parents, five siblings, his wife Lillie Bourgeois, his son Ronnie Bourgeois and grandsons, Rodrick Bourgeois, and Christopher Tyson. He leaves to mourn; Three sons, John Bourgeois (Deborah), David Bourgeois (Sophronia), Jeffery Bourgeois (Penny); One daughter, Karen Bourgeois; one sister Alaska Prince; two brothers Debose Bourgeois, and Nathan Brooks (Shirley); two Sister-in-laws, Betty Guy and Carrie Jackson; one Brother-in-law Maxie Jackson II; Sixteen grandchildren, Thirty five great-grandchildren: 7 great-greatgrandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.

Archie Charles Bourgeois departed this life February 23, 2025. Visitation Saturday March 8, 2025, from 9-11am. Funeral 11am. Services will be held at Sweet Home B.C. 2503 16th. St. Galena Park, TX 77547. Interment and Military Honors will be held Monday March 10, 2025, at 10am., at Houston National V.A. Cemetery,