Joseph Deville Victorian Sr. was born on February 9, 1964, in Lafayette, Louisiana, to Viola J. Popillion and Joseph Lionel Deville. Joseph attended elementary school in Louisiana before moving to San Diego, California, in September 1975 with his mother, Viola; his stepfather, Hilton Gradney; and five of his siblings. He attended O'Farrell High School in San Diego through the 10th grade.

Joseph worked for many years at a family-owned car wash in San Diego, where he became like family to his employer and fellow employees. They affectionately nicknamed him "Ponce" because of his fat belly. Joseph later worked as a truck driver, traveling across the country for many years. He worked for Swift, Covenant, and L&M, where he was known as "The Dog Catcher" over the CB radio. Joseph moved back home to Louisiana in 2008 and continued driving semi-trucks for local companies, including Lake City Trucking and L.J. Savant, until his passing. He enjoyed his career as a truck driver for more than 30 years and dreamed of owning his own trucking company.

Joseph was a believer in Christ and a member of Solid Rock Ministries. He was a devoted family man who loved spending time with his friends and family. He took great pride in cooking and grilling. Cookouts and barbecues were a staple wherever he was, and he loved to brag about his cooking, always making sure everyone there tasted it. He was especially known for his sauce piquant and gumbo, which everyone loved. Joseph would also never turn down cheesecake, German chocolate cake, or pecan pie.

Joseph was a loving person who could get along with just about anyone, no matter where he went. He was a true people person who had a way of making everyone around him feel comfortable. He was friendly, kind, and full of joy-always joking, having fun, and trying to dance and sing. No one dared tell him that he could not sing, because that would have started a debate! He loved flirting with all the women and bringing laughter to everyone around him. He enjoyed helping others whenever they were in need, lending a hand to whomever he could, and would give someone the shirt off his back.

Some of Joseph's hobbies included collecting miniature old-school cars, fishing, crabbing, listening to music, watching action movies and soap operas, and enjoying his favorite show, In the Heat of the Night. Those who knew Joseph will remember that he was never short on advice or opinions-even when no one asked for either one. He was stern when he needed to be, but underneath that strong personality was a loving man who cared deeply for his loved ones.

The Lord called Joseph home on July 13, 2026. He will be deeply missed.

He leaves to cherish his memory his mother, Viola J. Popillion, and her husband, Joseph D. Popillion; his four children, Joseph D. Victorian Jr. and his wife, Ayanna; Marsi R. Franklin and her boyfriend, Ricky C. Irby Jr.; Jasmine (Victorian) Narcisse and her husband, Jacoby Narcisse; and Deonte "T-Man" Victorian; his grandchildren, Joseph D. Victorian III, Jalayah, Mya, Mariah, Dallas, Jakarri, Mariaye Irby, Ricky Irby III, and Aniyah Narcisse; his siblings, Joann Savoy Garner and her husband, Marvin Garner; Sheila Dorsey and her husband, Carey; Christopher Gradney; Richard Gradney; Marsha Gradney; Kathy Deville; Lynette Deville; and Marlene Gordon; his sister-in-law, Monique Moore Johnson; and a host of nieces, nephews, family members, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Luven Johnson: his aunt, Helen Shallow; his father, Joseph Lionel Deville; his cousin, Leroy Shallow; his sister, Victoria Castellanos; and his sisters-in-law, Antoinette Gradney and Ebony Gradney.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 22, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until time of service at 11:00 a.m. in the Reed Chapel - Riley Smith & Sons - Kinder, 315 N. 14th Street, Kinder, Louisiana with Bishop Rodney Botley officiating. Interment will follow in the Greater Golden Light Cemetery, 2403 Basile/Eunice Highway, Basile, Louisiana.

A Repast will be held in the Smith Hall from 12:30 p.m. until 2:30 p.m., following the burial.