Shreveport native gifts estate to Shriners Children’s Hospital

SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) — Shriners Children’s Shreveport is holding a program to honor the largest donor in their history on July 10 at 10 a.m. at their 3100 Samford Avenue facility.

Hollis Ray Waller graduated from C.E. Byrd High School, attended Northwestern State University,

and was a member of the Kappa Alpha Order. Known for a sharp wit and sense of humor, Mr. Waller was respected for being well-read and naturally curious. He was fond of outdoor activities, including shooting sports, fishing, and golf. He passed away in 2022 at the age of 71.

Mr. Waller was not inclined to seek out attention; however, he wanted to make an impact on those who needed it. He gifted his entire estate to Shriners Children’s Shreveport. While his estate requested that the exact amount remain confidential, it is known to be an eight-figure amount.

Mr. Waller’s gift will support the expenses of the Shreveport Shriners’ pediatric orthopedic, cleft lip and palate, and sports medicine facility, something he planned well ahead.

L. Cade Havard, another Shreveport native and lifelong friend, said, “Ray Waller was my best friend for 57 years. Ray lived a simple life in the city he loved and spent practically the entirety of his life. He had varying interests, plans, and goals through the years, but one thing he never wavered on, and he put in place over 40 years ago, was his desire to leave his estate to Shriners Children’s Shreveport. As his friend, it was my duty but also my honor to see that his wishes were fulfilled.”

Shriners Children’s is a nonprofit organization that depends on donors. The Shriner system provides pediatric specialty care regardless of the family’s insurance or ability to pay. Shriners Children’s Shreveport was the first facility established in the Shriners Children’s system. Established in 1922, it serves a six-state area in the southern United States.