Cleo "Bud" Acrey Jr.

Cleo "Bud" Acrey, was an example of generosity, love, and selflessness. He was our rock, pillar, provider, and leader. He was the epitome of a people person. He could command a room without effort, employing his charm, quick wit, and friendly smile. Bud never did anything by halves. His approach to life was to live it fully and with gusto. He would often say, “Live while you live, eat the ham, leave the ribs.” Everything he did, he did over the top. His infectious enthusiasm and boundless energy made every moment spent with him an unforgettable experience. A big man in stature, Bud's physical presence was only matched by the immense kindness and love he extended to everyone he met.

Bud was born on December 20, 1955, in Houston, Texas, Bud's journey on this Earth was one marked by love, laughter, and the kind of generosity that could only come from a heart as big as Texas. With his family at his side, he departed this world on November 8, 2024, in his home in Pollok, Texas, due to complications of illness.

He shared a beautiful life with his cherished wife of 35 years, Ann Acrey, and together they raised their four children, who were his pride and joy: son Zac Acrey and wife Jennifer, Daughter Vicky Acrey of Pollok, Daughter Jessica Young and wife Morgan of Lufkin; son Jordan Acrey of Pollok, and his adored granddaughter, Kaleigh Acrey of chester. Also left behind are his sisters, Kathy Christie, Joy Lofton and Chrystal McDonald of Rusk as well as numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends, who all held a special place in his life. His legacy now lives on through them. He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Betty Atkerson, his sisters Becky Durrett and Vivian Hodges, and his brothers Charles and Bobby Taylor.

Bud’s formative years were spent walking the halls of Wells High School, after which he honed his skills at Angelina College, earning his electrician credentials and numerous certifications. These laid the foundation for a career that began at Chromium Corporation, where he not only worked as an electrician but also forged lifelong friendships. It was at Lufkin Armature where he found his true calling as a motor salesman, a role that allowed him to travel all around East Texas, where he made a lasting impression on everyone he met. Bud's affable nature meant that he was never without a friend in any town, always greeted with a hearty "Hey Bud" by those whose lives he had touched. With him having experience of multiple schools during his own childhood, this led to his determination to provide a consistent educational journey for his children, where he ensured that his children started and finished at the same school.

Family and friends knew Bud as a man who relished in bringing people together, especially over a grill on holidays. His skills at the barbecue were legendary, and his joy in sharing these moments with loved ones was a reflection of his generous spirit. Bud's home was a haven of hospitality, where laughter and stories were shared and memories were made. His selflessness was further showcased in the simple acts of love, like taking his kids to Walmart for late-night provisions or midnight drives to Galveston.

Bud's life was a testament to the power of positivity and the impact one individual can have on the world around him. He was always eager to give more than he received. His selfless nature was evident in the way he lived his life, always putting the needs of others before his own. To say Bud was generous, loving, and selfless would be to speak the truth, but these words alone cannot capture the full measure of the man. Bud's presence was a gift, a reminder that to live fully is to give generously, to love deeply, and to act selflessly. Bud's life was a testament to the power of giving without expectation, loving without reservation, and living with a heart wide open to the world.

As we lay to rest our beloved Bud Acrey, let us not think of this as a goodbye but as a moment to reflect on a life well-lived and the countless lives he touched and on the love he shared. His laughter, his unwavering support, and his ability to bring people together will be deeply missed. His story does not end here, for he lives on in the hearts of his family, the memories of his friends, and the countless lives brightened by his generous spirit.

On this day, we celebrate a man who embodied the very best of us. His warmth, humor, and boundless love will never be forgotten. We say a final earthly farewell to a man who was undoubtedly one of God's own. Bud, your journey here may have concluded, but your legacy will continue to inspire and guide us. Rest now in the arms of the Lord, for we know that every time we feel a warm breeze on a sunny day or hear the laughter of loved ones, you'll be there, smiling down on us, forever a part of the world you've left behind.