Cody "Bubba" Wayne VanZandt

Cody Wayne VanZandt, better known as “Bubba,” passed away on September 11, 2026, in Temple, Texas.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, September 16th from 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. at Fry-Smith Funeral Home in Tuscola, Texas. Services will be held at Buffalo Gap Baptist Church at 10 a.m. with burial following at Buffalo Gap cemetery.

Bubba was born on December 23, 1974, in Abilene, Texas. He graduated from Eula High School and went on to attend Tarleton State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Services and Development.

Bubba dedicated 24 years of his career to the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), serving communities in Stephenville, Premont, and Burnet, Texas.

Bubba loved the outdoors and the western way of life. Whether he was hunting hogs, cowboying, coaching softball or cooking around a fire he was happiest outside and always welcomed an opportunity to put his cooking skills to good use. He was the kind of friend who was ready to lend a hand, and if helping out involved cattle, horses, or a little adventure, all the better.

But of all the things Bubba loved, nothing compared to his daughters, Greenli and Stella. They were his greatest joy and biggest blessing. He was incredibly proud of the young ladies they have become and all they have accomplished. Given the chance, he would brag on his girls to anyone willing to listen—and probably a few who weren’t.

Bubba will be remembered as a cowboy at heart, a loyal friend, a son and brother, and above all, a dad who loved his girls tremendously. His family and friends will miss the visits, the stories, the laughs, the late-night meals, and the unmistakable personality that made Bubba, Bubba.

He was preceded in death by his father, Leslie VanZandt; paternal grandparents, Billy Steve and Sybil VanZandt; and maternal grandparents, Milton and Lila Smith and cousin Misty VanZandt.

He is survived by his daughters, Greenli and Stella VanZandt; his mother, Becky VanZandt and Tim; his siblings, Dustin VanZandt; Steven VanZandt (Jackie); Jay VanZandt (Janie); Cole VanZandt (Cheyenne) Rachelle VanZandt; and Brianne Babb; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who loved him dearly.

The family asks in lieu of flowers please make a donation to a charity near to your heart.