Funeral services for Ralph Edward Athey, 66, of Harlingen, will be held Thursday, August 13, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Keltys First Baptist Church in Lufkin with Pastor Aaron Wilson officiating. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park in Nacogdoches, Texas.

          Ralph Edward Athey was born on December 29, 1959, in Houston, Texas, to Robert Edward Athey and Marceil (Marcie) Forrest Athey and went home to be with Jesus Christ, his Lord and Savior, on August 2, 2026, after suffering a massive stroke.

           Ralph was the third child and only son of his family. His two older sisters adored him and helped take care of him as a newborn.

           He attended Fonwood Elementary in Houston. The family moved to Lufkin when he was in the third grade to be closer to relatives when his dad developed health issues.

           At the age of 14, Ralph accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and followed him in believer’s baptism.

          He attended Trout Elementary School, Lufkin Junior High School, and graduated from Lufkin High School in 1978. He graduated from Angelina College and attended Stephen F. Austin State University.

          Ralph loved all sports but excelled in tennis. While attending Lufkin Junior High School, he spent many hours practicing at Chambers Park in Lufkin. He continued to play tennis at Lufkin High School and Angelina College and received a tennis scholarship to Stephen F. Austin. Ralph was a member of the Lufkin Running Club, training for and completing several marathons.

        He was employed by Southland Paper Mill in 1981, continuing to be employed at the company through several changes in ownership. After the paper mill closed, he started A&R Fence Company in Nacogdoches, building many custom fences in the East Texas area. He also loved to BBQ and had a roadside BBQ stand in Nacogdoches, which he and his stepfather, Allen Waltman, operated for several years.

         On November 9, 1990, Ralph married Bernardita Hermoso (Bea), who had been his nurse after undergoing surgery at Methodist Hospital in Houston. Their only child, Tyler Benjamin, was born on August 12, 1992, bringing much joy to Ralph and Bea.

          Ralph was preceded in death by his son; his parents; stepfather, Allen Waltman; Bea’s parents, Benjamin and Nieves Hermoso; Bea’s aunt, Modesta de Silva; Bea’s sister, Ana Lisa H. Wilhite; nephew, Joshua Morgan; and great-nephew, Daniel Buck.

           Ralph is survived by the mother of his child, Bea; granddaughters, Angie and Taylor; sister, Linda (Bob) Manz; sister, Myra (Eddie) Morgan; aunt, Betty Mettlen; Bea’s aunt, Flordeliza de Silva; Bea’s sisters, Rebecca (Tom) Sciulli, Marilyn Hermoso, Tess Hermoso, and Malou (Paul) Robinson; as well as many nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.

            Pallbearers will be Caleb Morgan, Shane Esquivel, Bradley Esquivel, Franz Limeta, Patrick Limeta, and Colton Wilhite.

            Honorary pallbearers will be George Cartwright and John Stanbery.

            In lieu of flowers, you may donate to Keltys First Baptist Church, 2402 N John Redditt Dr., Lufkin, 75904, or any charity of your choice.

           A special thank you to Wesley Manz, Ralph’s nephew, who took a week off work to accompany his mother, Linda Manz, from Wyoming to Harlingen so they could both be by Ralph’s side during his final days.                

            Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., Thursday, August 13, 2026, at Keltys First Baptist Church in Lufkin, prior to the funeral service.

            Shafer Funeral Home, Lufkin directors.