Bobby Lee Cathey was born December 16, 1936, in Hamilton, Texas, to Thomas Washington Cathey and Corabuna Butler Cathey. He was the 7th of 10 children born to this union. He passed away October 6, 2024, at the age of 87.
He spent his teen years in Seagraves, Texas, before joining the United States Army at the age of 23. After serving 2 years, he returned to Hamilton, where he met the love of his life, Coridean Andrews. After a brief courtship they married on February 20, 1962. God blessed them with 62 years together.
Bobby had various jobs in his younger years, but he spent the majority of his working career at MATES as a mechanic and retired after 24 years in the Army National Guard. He also did paint and body work on the side. After a hard day's work, he could be found in his recliner with his remote in his hand tracing a figure-eight pattern on the channel buttons.
Bobby was a friendly man, who never met a stranger. He could talk to anyone and did. He loved to sing and make up silly songs for his grandchildren. He was so proud of all that his grandchildren accomplished, and he was their biggest supporter. He would listen to recorder songs, watch their games in person and later on the computer, and come to every event that he was able to. He enjoyed Blue Bell ice cream and always kept plenty on hand to share. He had quite the sense of humor. He would perform 5:00 AM wake up calls at family reunions with metal pots and spoons. He created left- handed scrambled eggs and told the grand kids that these were better. He was a dedicated follower of Christ always looking for ways to help others without needing any recognition. He taught his kids the value of hard work and loved his wife, Corky, fiercely. He was always ready for someone to visit and never ready for them to leave. He would ask, “What’s your hurry?” whether you were there for 5 minutes or all day.
He is survived by his wife Coridean Cathey of Hamilton, children Bobby Cathey and wife Teresa of Tyler, Texas, Joe Cathey and wife Michele of Hamilton, Texas, Johnny Cathey and wife Michelle of Lubbock, Texas, and Tammy Wagner and husband Doug of Hamilton, Texas. Grandchildren Blake Cathey and wife Katie, Ethan Cathey, Sara Cathey, Emily Wagner, Caleb Wagner and fiancée Jaileigh, Jacey Cathey, Abigail Cathey, Hagan Cathey, Asa Cathey. Great Grandchild Koen Mannis-Cathey. He is also survived by his brother, Billy Joe Cathey and wife, Judy, of Artesia, New Mexico. He will also be missed by a VERY large extended family.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Washington Cathey and Corabuna Butler Cathey, siblings John Charles, Buna Nell, Doris Thomasine (Tiny), T.W., Martha Ann, Jimmy Dale, Robbie Lois (his twin), and Zena Beth. His daughter, Robbie Gail, also preceded him in death.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Hamilton Goodfellow Fund % MC Bank of Hamilton or Park Heights Church of Christ (designated for the Food Pantry).
