WALTERBORO :     Robert Neal "Bubba" Avant Jr., affectionately known as "Caboose" by his family, entered into eternal rest Saturday morning, July 2, 2022 at his home in Walterboro.  He was 54.

Bubba was born in Walterboro August 26, 1967 a son of Robert Neal Avant Sr. and the late Millie Crosby Avant.  He was employed by Collum Lumber Products in Allendale.  An avid hunter and fisherman, he was a member of the ATCO Hunting Club in Jacksonboro, and he cherished his times in the outdoors, finding peace hearing his dogs pursue whitetails throughout the pinewoods and swamps of the South Carolina Lowcountry.  Bubba enjoyed life, and would help anyone in need. His heart was huge, and he loved his children more than anything else in the world, never missing his son's athletic events or his daughter's cheerleading competitions. He was an avid fan of any sport connected to the University of South Carolina Gamecocks, and also enjoyed NASCAR racing.

In addition to his father of Walterboro, he is survived by his two children, Robert Neal Avant III (Allie Shuman) and Amber Shae Avant (Austin Moore).  He leaves behind his sisters Donna Miller (Terry), Rhonda McDonald (Larry) and Mary Jo Fox, all of Walterboro.  He has a host of nephews and a niece:  Shannon and Jason Hiers, Christopher, Dean, Bryan and Shane McDonald, Joey and Jake Fox, Taylor Fox Murdaugh, and Tommy Reeves III.

In addition to his mother, Bubba was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents Lawrence and Vernell Craven, by his paternal grandparents C.D. "Jim" and Tula Avant, by his sister Carla Avant Reeves, by his nephews Justin Reeves and Bradley McDonald, and by the mother of his children, Margaret Avant.

Funeral services will be held Saturday morning, July 9, 2022 at 11:00 in the Chapel of Parker-Rhoden Funeral Home, with burial following in the Live Oak Cemetery.  The family will receive friends beginning at 10:00  at the funeral home, and in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Friends of the Colleton County Animal Shelter (FOCCAS), 33 Poor Farm Road, Walterboro, SC  29488.  Parker-Rhoden Funeral Home, 117 Paul Street in Walterboro is in charge of arrangements.