Billy Jack Athey, 73, of Whitesboro, was called to the big pond in the sky with a new fishing pole in hand on Wednesday, June 25, 2025.
Bill was born on July 7, 1951 in Fort Worth, Texas to Woodrow Winfred and Ima Athey. He married the catch of his life Rhonda Stanley in Collinsville on January 11, 1982. When he was younger, you might see him chasing bad guys as a peace officer for the Katy Railroad, Sherman and Whitesboro Police Departments. In his later years, he made a name for himself managing multimillion dollar projects around the country. In between all of this, he raised a family of four children, eight grandchildren, and took in several more along the way. Bill enjoyed fishing, deer hunting, boating, and cooking.
He is survived by his wife, Rhonda Athey of Whitesboro; son, Chad Athey of Whitesboro; daughter, Melody Klas and husband, Darrell Cason of Whitesboro; son Bryan Athey and wife Michelle Athey of Sadler; son Marcus Athey and wife Bonnie Athey of Whitesboro; grandchildren Aubrey Athey, Austin Athey, Gage Athey, Rylee Athey, Cooper Cason, Brooklyn Martinez, Kiley Klas, Delaney Klas; and sister in law, Barbara Athey.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Ima Athey, and brother Wayne Athey.
Funeral Service honoring Bill will be held at 2:00 PM on Wednesday July 2, 2025 at Meador Funeral Home of Whitesboro, officiated by Geoffrey Athey and Chad Athey. A time of visitation will be held on hour prior to the funeral on Wednesday at the funeral home beginning at 1:00 PM. Interment will be at Oakwood Cemetery in Whitesboro following services. The family has requested informal dress for the services.
Rhonda , Marcus , Chad and Bryan you all are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time I’m very sorry for your loss his love and memories will always be with you ✝️✝️
Love,
Bill Dodson.
May God be with you-all. Our prayers are with each of you and your families. We love you dearly. ❤️
My prayers are big for you all. So sorry for your loss.
Praying for you all!! Hugs!! ❤️🙏🏻❤️
Prayers for healing and peace in this time of bereavement to all of you. Can’t reiterate enough how great a man Big Bill was and the impact he had on me personally from the time I met him and Mama Rhonda. Chad, you will always be my Caucasian baby brother from another mother and will forever be extended family. God bless the entire family and God rest his soul in eternal heavenly peace.
Teresa Mathis
Words are hard to find for this difficult time. May Jesus interpret all our prayers that are in our hearts and present them to our Father on behalf of this family and their precious loved one. 🙏