05/16/2026
William Allen Cathey
William Allen (Al) Cathey passed peacefully into eternal life at home on May 14, 2026, surrounded by his loving family, after a courageous battle with ALS. Born in Memphis, Tennessee, on November 20, 1947, he moved to Mexico Beach, Florida, at age 5. He attended schools in Port St. Joe and later earned a B.A. in Communications/Public Relations from the University of Southern Mississippi, where he was an active member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity.
Throughout his life, he served as a high school teacher and coach, worked in communications, sat on the boards of several banks, coauthored a book, and owned and operated successful businesses, including Cathey’s ACE Hardware. He also served on the Mexico Beach City Council and later as Mayor of Mexico Beach. Many will remember him most for his steady leadership after Hurricane Michael devastated Mexico Beach in 2018. With the help of many others, he played a vital role in guiding the community through the difficult rebuilding process. Though he held public office with the title of mayor, he was never a politician at heart—he was simply a devoted leader who dedicated his life to serving and protecting the town he loved and called home.
As a young man, he played men’s softball in the Industrial League with the Raffield Fisheries team and competed in many national tournaments. He enjoyed flounder gigging, fishing for bream and shellcracker, cheering on the Florida Gators, spearfishing and scalloping in St. Joe Bay, and spending time walking and bicycling. Most of all, he treasured time with his beloved family and dear friends. He adored his grandchildren who brought him immense joy. A longtime member of First United Methodist Church in Port St. Joe, he was a man of deep faith, remembered for his generous heart, warm smile, and zest for life.
Al was preceded in death by his parents Marion Curlin Cathey and William Othal (Bubba) Cathey. He is survived by his wife of 52 years Carol, his sons Brian Cathey and Lee Cathey (Lyndsey), his beloved grandchildren Caitlin Cathey, Braden Cathey, Wyatt Cathey and Waylon Cathey, his sister Janie Cathey Adkison(Perry) and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
The family is deeply grateful to everyone who supported him throughout his ALS journey. Many earthly angels—Trilogy Health Care, Comfort Keepers, Emerald Coast Hospice, local businesses, family, friends, employees, neighbors, and others—helped lovingly carry the burden. His family will remain forever thankful for each and every act of kindness.
He wished for his life to be celebrated outdoors, with guests dressed in coastal casual attire (Crocs welcome), reflecting the unpretentious, modest, and genuine way he lived.
A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at 5:00 P.M. Central Time on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at the future home of the Al Cathey Municipal Pier on South 37th Street, Mexico Beach, FL with visitation beginning at 4:00 P.M.Central Time.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Al Cathey Leadership Through Service Scholarship Fund, which supports future leaders graduating from Port St. Joe High School, his alma mater. Contributions may be sent to Port St. Joe High School, 100 Shark Drive, Port St. Joe, FL 32456, with “Al Cathey Scholarship” noted on the memo line.
Arrangements are entrusted to the caring staff of Comforter Funeral Home in Port St. Joe, Florida.
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