Cleveland Y. "BJ" Jernigan Jr., 74, of Ezzell, passed away April 27, 2015. He was born on Oct. 3, 1940 to Cleveland & Olean Anderton Jernigan Sr. in Norfolk, Virginia.

BJ went to school in Montgomery, Alabama. Part of his youth can be found in the book "Alabama's Youngest Admirals" where his life was chronicled as he helped build a boat that his friends used to sail down the Alabama River. The love for water later guided him to enlist in the US Navy as a Salvage Diver and member of the Navy Seals. He later used the skills gained from his Naval days in the private sector as an underwater welder. BJ, "Tex" to his friends, was on the forefront of this field doing some of the first ever full saturation dives. In his spare time, he trained for and swam 100 miles down the American River netting him a Guinness Book of World Record Title in 1964.

BJ also opened a dive shop to teach others the wonders of underwater diving. As fate would have it, he found himself in the Texas gulf coast area. He worked as a crane operator, pipe fitter, and other crafts in the 80's when the diving jobs dried up. BJ later took over a dance hall and created the Cajun Cowboy, and had some of the largest country bands at the time as headliners. He later moved with Judy, his wife of 27 years, to Hallettsville, TX.

But retirement was not on his mind, he started Mud Buddy's and brought extreme mudding and motocross to the remote area of Ezzell. It was the perfect match for BJ - people having fun, and enjoying the outdoors. He worked on but never got to complete his pilot license, but enjoyed every minute he got to fly. BJ loved Canyon Lake and the condo, or just hanging out at the Casino gambling until late hours of the night.

But if you would ask Buddy what was his greatest achievement, he would no doubt show the photo book of his "Family" with so many granddaughters and grandsons, kids and their husbands and wives. He could go for hours about the pride he had for every one of them. It became his greatest reward in life. To see his eyes light up when the grandkids showed up would melt any heart. He loved life, lived life, and was his family's life. He will be missed by many, and loved always by anybody that knew him. He left too soon…..

BJ is survived by: wife Judy; 3 sons, Trey Jernigan , Kelly Jernigan & wife Farrah, and Jason Kubeczka & wife Brittia; 2 daughters, Shannon Jernigan, and Misty Pace & husband Scott; 5 grandchildren, Anily, Abigail and Avery Jernigan; and Conway Kubeczka and Hunter Pace; and canine son Razor.

BJ was preceded in death by: his parents and step mother Myrtal Jernigan.

Funeral Service: 2 pm, Thursday, April, 30 2015, at Salem Baptist Church of Ezzell. Visitation: 4 pm, Wednesday at Kubena Funeral Home. Officiant: Brother George Hayhurst. Pallbearers: Kelly Jernigan, Jason Kubeczka, Trey Jernigan, Brian Evans, Larry Evans, Terry Lankston, and James Graham. Honorary Pallbearers: Hunter Pace, Conway Kubeczka, Anily Burnes, Abigail Jernigan, and Avery Jernigan. Memorials: Salem Baptist Church of Ezzell. Burial: Salem Cemetery.