Buster Cathey

Buster Cathey, 80, a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, of Hendersonville, Tennessee, passed away quietly, in his sleep on the morning of May 20, 2023, in his home surrounded by his beautiful wife of 56 years.

Buster was preceded in death by both of his parents and is survived by his wife, Dianne; his son and his favorite daughter-n-law: Todd and Kendal Cathey; as well as his granddaughters, Katie and Kenzie Cathey.

Buster was born on September 21st, 1942, in Smyrna, Tennessee, to Hardin Cathey, Jr. and Lucille Smith. Buster attended elementary and primary school in Smyrna Tennessee, and graduated from Smyrna High School in 1960.

Buster, who lovingly referred to himself as a “Cigarette Man”, lived in the Middle Tennessee for the majority of his life, moving finally to Hendersonville to be close to his son, wife and grandchildren. He worked at Brown and Williamson Tobacco for the majority of his career, finishing his career with Express Cash, where he was a partner in the company, where he became an important and reliable fixture in his community; loved by his many customers and colleagues throughout the years.

Buster and his wife Dianne were married on October 6, 1967, and remained so for the rest of his life. Buster and Dianne have a son that completed their family together.

Buster, who was known as Papaw to his family, was loved and appreciated by his family. He loved boating, fishing, golfing, classic cars like his Corvette, and talking to many people across the world on his ham radio, where he was a licensed operator.  Buster enjoyed vacationing with his family and attended all of his grandchildren’s sporting events. Buster enjoyed his retirement to the fullest and used his time productively to focus on his many hobbies like building and enjoying rail buggies and attending the car shows in the area. Buster also enjoyed every second he was able to watch his grandchildren in all of their sporting events such as basketball, volleyball, swimming, soccer and even dance.  One of his favorite memories was picking up his grandchildren in his rail buggy from school and occasionally giving them a ride in his corvette. He never wanted to miss watching them play.

A “Celebration of Life & Memorial Service” will be held on Sunday, May 28, 2023 at 2:00 in the outdoor pavilion, in the Whispering Falls Garden at Hendersonville Memorial Gardens, located at 353 E. Main Street, Hendersonville, 37075. Family and friends are invited to come and share fond memories and stories. The service will be outdoors; therefore the family encourages attendees to wear something comfortable for the service.