Mr. Elzie B. Athey

Mr. Athey was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was a lifelong resident of Lufkin and was retired from Southland Paper Mills, where he was employed as a press operator for more than 30 years. He enjoyed gardening and mowing his yard. Mr. Athey served his country in the United States Army and was a member of the V.F. W. Post.

Survivors include his granddaughter, Melissa Svoboda and husband Sheldon of Pearland; great-granddaughters, Ashlyn and Mallory of Pearland; nieces, Freida Pate and Teresa Butler, both of Nacogdoches; nephews, Fred Athey and Jeffrey Athey, both of Nacogdoches; and special friend, Edna Moake of Alto.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Athey was preceded in death by his wife, Icese Mae (Williams) Athey; sons, Ronald (Frog) Athey and David E. Athey; and brothers, James Athey and Bonnie Athey.

Graveside services for Mr. Athey will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 12, 2010 in the Fielders Cemetery, with Bro. Wayne Butler officiating.

Friends are invited to visit with the family from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday evening at Gipson Funeral Home.

Condolences may be offered at www.gipsonfuneralhome.com.

Gipson Funeral Home; directors