By ALEXANDREA BAILEY
editor@portisabelsouthpadre.com
Those who frequent the Lower Laguna Madre, whether they find themselves at the Port Isabel Whataburger for some breakfast or enjoying the nightlife at one of South Padre Island’s clubs, have often spotted a well-
traveled-looking van, painted black with a red stripe outlined in white. Some people know it’s nickname:
“The A-Team Van.” Locals know it is the home to a South Padre Island icon, who most recognize by the name
‘Lucky.’ The 89-year-old-man has lived in the van for the last 14 years, with his cat Suzy.
Last week, a local effort to get Lucky a new set of wheels surfaced, and the community has showed their support. Spearheading the effort is Kimberly Bolin, a bartender at one of Lucky’s frequent hangs, Driftwood
Landing. She started a GoFundMe, raising money to purchase a new van for her friend, as Lucky plans to set off on an adventure soon. The GoFundMe, titled “Let’s get Lucky a new adventure van!” was published on
Aug. 25, and has raised almost $5,000 so far, still a leap from its $22,000 goal.
“That van has been on its last leg for a while now, and I think it’s time for a new one,” stated Bolin.
Lucky says he bought the van brand-new in 1999. Originally, Bolin planned to keep the GoFundMe a secret, and surprise Lucky once the funds had been raised. However, things didn’t go as planned and Lucky
caught wind of the campaign to get him a new set of wheels. Bolin said he was on cloud nine when he found out.
Lucky’s home state is Philadelphia, but he’s frequented South Padre Island for the last 14 years, living here on and off, and going wherever the wind takes him. In his late thirties, after raising two girls together, he
and his first wife of 15 years divorced.
“She was like Elizabeth Taylor. She was beautiful,” said Lucky.
Back then, Lucky owned a carpentry business and spent most of his time “making money,” he says.
He explained how he struggled with alcoholism at the time, and how that ultimately contributed to the demise of his first marriage. After that, Lucky says he quit drinking.
“I started seeing things differently,” said Lucky.
Later, at 40 years old, he met his second wife, and together they moved into a van and hit the highway. They went to Florida and for five years lived along the coast there, east to west. After half a decade, they left
the state, but not the ocean. Coastal living has been Lucky’s way of life for the last 45 years.
Lucky’s always been drawn to the coast for its “slower pace of living.” Eventually, he found his way to Texas, starting out in Galveston and making his way south. They ended up settling in Port Isabel for awhile,
having fell in love with South Padre Island. For a bit, they hit California, a state Lucky says he loves. There, they lived in the New Port Beach area, but would eventually return to the Texas coast.
Things weren’t always easy for the two. Lucky said that at times his wife would struggle and had been admitted to psychiatric hospitals on multiple occasions.
“I stuck behind her because I cared for her, and loved her,” said Lucky.
Heartbreakingly, after a lifetime together, 40 years, living their best lives beachside, Lucky’s wife developed Alzheimer’s. He made the difficult decision to seek professional help by putting her in the care of a
nursing home. Lucky says she passed away four years ago.
“I’m still crying, after four years,” said Lucky. “What I can tell you is, she was the happiness in my life.”
Lucky says the reason he chooses to keep living in his van is the sense of freedom it gives him.
“If I’m not happy at a place, I just take off,” he said.
Lucky, not planning on slowing down anytime soon, spends his time on South Padre Island doing what he loves most, dancing. He says he’s “had the time of his life here.”
“I’ve made a name for myself here,” Lucky expressed.
He’s known for his signature moves, completely stealing the spotlight at any show. His favorite place to dance is the Quarter Deck Lounge at the Isla Grand, but he also loves Laguna Bobs.
“I’m in another world dancing. Nobodies in the room but me,” said Lucky.
When it’s time for the self-proclaimed party-guy to get some rest, Lucky usually keeps his van at the Walmart in Port Isabel. He says no one really bothers him there, and he’s got good company too. He’s had his cat Suzy for the last 12 years. Lucky says she’s the love of his life, and without her, he’d be totally lost.
“Me and Suzy are connected,” said Lucky.
Lucky’s poured thousands of dollars into his van, trying to keep it going. He’s grateful to Bolin for setting up the GoFundMe.
“She is doing this out of the goodness of her heart,” said Lucky.
Lucky’s goal is to travel up the coast northward, to Myrtle Beach. From there, he wants to go back to Florida. South Padre Island is his second home, and he’s so grateful for everyone he’s become involved with
here, but being closer to his family is what really matters to him now.
“I’m getting older now and I gotta spend more time with my girls,” Lucky said, talking about his two daughters. “My girls love me, and I love my girls.”
According to Lucky, no matter what happens or where he goes, he will always treasure the Island.
“I’m so loved here, and I love so many people here. I found a second home here. Maybe even more so than my home-home, because I’ve had so much fun-fun here, you know what I mean? And that’s what life is
about – having fun,” said Lucky.