Bobby Lackey

Bobby "Zag" Lackey

1953 ~ 2014

Long Beach

Bobby "ZAG" Lackey, age 61, passed away unexpectedly on May 15, 2014 in Gulfport, Mississippi. Bobby was born in New Orleans, Louisiana and was raised in New Orleans and Bay St. Louis, MS. He was preceded in death by his father, Dolphus Lackey; mother, Velma Lackey; sister, Laura Marie Lackey, his father-in-law and mother-in-law Leonard and Kathryn Papania.

A true American patriot who believed strongly in the U.S. Bill of Rights, Bobby's first real adventure came when he served with the Merchant Marines during the Vietnam War. Later in his life he would work in offshore construction as a heavy equipment operator and deck foreman. He also loved and enjoyed his work as a tower crane operator for Roy Anderson Corp and W.G. Yates & Sons construction companies on many projects. He was especially proud in 2002 to participate in the raising of the historic USS Monitor, a famed Civil War era warship, off the coast of North Carolina.

His love of adventure and enjoyment of life was clear to all those who knew him, but along with the adventurous nature and love of fun he would carry with him his entire life, he was instilled with a strong sense of charity, giving, and the selfless desire to help those in need.

He is self-described as a "bully to the bullies - a protector of the weak". Those who knew and loved him know he made it a point to protect those who were unable in their lives to protect themselves, everyone from children to the elderly and the disabled. He had a sense of righteousness that defined him throughout his life, and that he would endeavor to pass on through his close and loving relationships with all of the younger relatives of his family, who he treated as if they were his own children.

Bobby's young at heart attitude made him the life of every party. He was 61 going on 18. Bobby had many loves in his life - his wife and partner, all of his family and friends, good music, dancing, any gathering or get-together, his loyal dogs, great action movies, Corvettes, chicken gumbo, banana pudding, and bird watching, to name a few - but no love in his life could compete with that which he had for his family. His incredibly strong sense of family and morals and teddy bear heart belied his tough-man, good ole country boy exterior, while his ever-present smile and ability to make anyone smile at any time made him the person that everyone would call on or come by to just to chat or for a shoulder to cry on.

Survivors include Bobby's wife of 23 years, Beth (Papania) Lackey, sisters Alice (David) LaFrance, Betty (Howard) Gonzales, Sandra Gaston (Mike), Rose (Charlie) Marino, Judy (Jimmy) Davis, brothers Junior (Martha) Lackey, John (Liz) Lackey, James L. Lackey, sisters-in-laws and brothers-in law Gayle Livingston, Paulette Bohne (Glenn), Michael Papania (Patti), as well as his Godchildren Gabriel - Alexander and Margeaux Klazema, and countless nieces, nephews and loved ones all who will miss him dearly.

A memorial service and Celebration of Life Mass will be held on June 14, 2014 at 10 AM, St Thomas Catholic Church in Long Beach, MS. Immediately following will be a Celebration of Life Gathering at the pavilion directly behind St. Thomas Church in his honor to celebrate with memories, music, food, family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Bobby's honor to St. Jude Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, The St. Vincent DePaul Society, C/O St. Thomas Catholic Church, Long Beach, MS 39560 or The Salvation Army of South MS, 575 Division St, Biloxi, MS 39530.

View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com