Wayne Bubba Begnaud Jr.
Bubba was gifted with a servants’ heart and was a devout Catholic. He was a lifelong member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Milton, where he served as a Eucharistic Minister. Known for his big heart, generous spirit, and willingness to help anyone in need, Bubba embodied the words of Christ through his actions.
He was “bigger than life,” and one of his favorite sayings - “I got it” - was well known by all who loved him. When Bubba set his mind to something, nothing was impossible.
A proud 1977 graduate of Acadiana High School, Bubba spent much of his youth rodeoing and training horses, remaining close to the outdoor life he cherished. He worked for Coburn’s Supply Company as a Product Appliance Manager for 19 years, where his strong work ethic and friendly demeanor earned the respect and admiration of his coworkers. Bubba and Pam were married July 12, 1980, and this is where their lifelong love story would begin.
Bubba had a deep love for music, especially the songs of James Taylor. The words “You’ve Got a Friend” became a reflection of how he lived his life. He often joked that he could sing James Taylor songs better than James Taylor himself - and many agreed. Fulfilling a lifelong dream, Bubba learned to play the guitar on his own to sing James Taylor songs and learned to play “Happy Birthday” for his wife Pam’s birthday this past August, a gift that captured his loving and thoughtful nature.
Bubba and Pam shared countless adventures together, from camping with friends and family to running half marathons across the country. Together, they set a goal to run a half marathon in all 50 states - a journey that brought them to 48 states completed and their 49th race in Nebraska at the time of his passing. They had already visited all 50 states and were on track to achieve their goal of 100 half marathons.
Pam, Hunter, Jaden, and Ani plan to honor Bubba’s legacy by finishing the final two races - Nebraska and Hawaii - in his memory.
Bubba was a proud organ donor and a member of the Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency, continuing to bless others even after his passing. He was also a member of the 50 States Half Marathon Club and Half Fanatics, where he will be honored with a memorial plaque in 2026 from the 50 States Half Marathon Club.
A vital member of the Lafayette Recovery Community, Bubba celebrated 18 years of sobriety - a milestone that he shared with pride and humility. As a dedicated AA sponsor, he touched countless lives through his mentorship, compassion, and unwavering belief in redemption and hope. His legacy will live on in the many lives he helped transform.
Although Bubba had many interests in life, his greatest passion was his family. His children and grandchildren are what Bubba cherished and loved.
Left behind to cherish his memory is his wife of 45 years, Pam Whittington Begnaud; his children, Hunter (Leslie), Jaden and Anais “Ani” Fontenot (Noah); his grandchildren, Bailey Elkins (Jeffery), Georgia Kate Fontenot, and step-grandson, Mason Melancon; his great grandchildren Luca and Marguerite Elkins; his siblings, Rhonda Begnaud, Joey (Michelle) Begnaud and Kelli Sellers.
