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 Services honoring Bill were 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 was held one hour prior to the funeral on Wednesday at the funeral home beginning at 1:00 PM. Interment was at Oakwood Cemetery in Whitesboro following services. The family requested informal dress for the services.