Walter Lawrence Athey

Walter “Bubba” Lawrence Athey, Jr., 71, of Lorena, Texas, passed away at his home on February 12, 2025.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on February 24 at Grace Gardens Funeral Home, with interment to follow at Rosemound Cemetery in Waco. Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on February 23 at Grace Gardens.

Bubba was born on August 29, 1953, to Bubbo Athey and Flora Lee Tibbs in Waco, Texas. He grew up in Hewitt, Texas, and attended Midway ISD from first grade through high school, graduating in 1972. During his school years, he excelled in football, track, and FFA. After graduation, he attended McLennan Community College and Tarleton State University.

Bubba worked alongside his father at Bubbo’s Starter and Generator Shop in Hewitt before establishing his own starter and generator repair business, which he successfully ran for 40 years. After retiring in 2014, he dedicated himself to caring for his mother and continued his father's tractor shredding business, serving many loyal customers in the Waco area.

A lifelong rodeo enthusiast, Bubba participated in rodeo events from a young age, riding steers and later bulls. His father was a rodeo clown until an accident in 1965, after which Bubba and his sister, Judy, pursued their love of horses through horse shows. He was a dedicated attendee of the Heart of Texas Fair and Rodeo, missing only two events in his lifetime.

Music was another of Bubba’s great passions. He began playing drums at an early age and later took guitar lessons with his father. Though he could not read music, he played multiple instruments by ear and knew every key by heart. He performed with his father in the local band, The Cotton Pickers, playing guitar and bass, and continued playing with the group after his father’s passing.

Bubba loved the outdoors, whether camping, fishing, skiing, boating, horseback riding, or riding motorcycles. He was also a talented cook who enjoyed grilling just about anything. He also enjoyed watching black and white westerns.

Above all, Bubba was a devoted husband, father, Papaw, and Uncle Butter. He cherished time spent with his family and lifelong friends, always bringing joy with his warm smile and contagious laugh.

Bubba was preceded in death by his parents, Bubbo Athey and Flora Lee Tibbs Athey. He is survived by his loving wife, Donna Gore Athey; daughter, Jennifer Stone and husband Jeff; son, Christopher Athey; stepdaughter, Ciara Chamberlain; stepson, Ross Chamberlain and partner Linzi; sister, Judy Lanier; uncle, Calvin Webb and wife Ella; father-in-law, Horace Gore; grandchildren, Tawny, Travis, Jaydon, Brody, Roslyn, Aidian, Aurora, and Anson; great-grandchildren, Mayson, Avery, and numerous nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to The Cotton Pickers, Justin and Erica Adcock, and the City of Lorena and McLennan County First Responders.