Walter L. "Bubbo" Athey

Bubbo Athey age 79, of Lorena passed away Wednesday June 15, 2011 at his home with his family by his side. Funeral Services will be 10AM Saturday June 18, 2011 at Grace Gardens Funeral Home Chapel. Visitation will be 6 to 8PM Friday June 19, 2011 at Grace Gardens Funeral Home Chapel.

Bubbo was born July 24, 1931 in Waco, Texas to Melvin and Ruby Athey. On May 22, 1949 Bubbo married Flora Lee Tibbs at Preston Street Christian Church in Waco, TX. In 1947 after returning from serving in occupied Germany he worked as a corrective therapist at the Waco V.A. Hospital. He started performing in rodeos in 1955 in a comedy bullfighting act with Bob Turner of Burleson and performed for a decade until he had a serious run-in with a bull in 1965. He was owner and operator of his own business, Bubbo’s Starter & Generator Shop until he retired in 1992. After retirement, he acquired a tractor and became a commercial independent contractor. Bubbo was also a Mason, a member of Cotton Palace Sam’s Travel Club, and the Cotton Picker’s Band.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Melvin Athey and Charles Athey.

He is survived by his wife Flora of 63 years; a son Walter (Bubba) Athey; a daughter Judy Lanier; 4 grandchildren, Jason Lanier, Joe’l Martin, Jennifer Stone, Christopher Athey; 4 great grandchildren, Faith Adam, Matthew Martin, Haylea Martin, and LeAnne Marlow: 1 great great grandchild, Lillian Marlow; one sister, Dora Whitman; one brother, Calvin Webb; as well as a multitude of nieces, nephews, and friends.