Bobby Austin Abernathy

Bobby Austin Abernathy (88) of Grand Bay, Alabama passed away on December 21, 2023. He was born May 17, 1935 in Collinsville, Alabama to Austin Moses Abernathy and Wilma Dean Dobbs Abernathy. He attended Rome High School in Rome, Georgia where he was a member of the graduating class of 1953. After serving in the US Army, he went to work for Chevron Refinery in Pascagoula, Mississippi where he retired from after 30 years. Mr. Abernathy was a member of Pascagoula Church of God. He served in the church as the church treasurer for over 30 years. Mr. Abernathy was a devoted witness for the Lord. He never met a stranger when it came to sharing his faith. Known by his friends and family as a master gardener, he had been blessed with the talent and skills to grow a massive, lush and thriving garden each year. Often producing more fruits and vegetables than his family could manage, he made sure that his extended family and friends all received some of his amazing produce. Sports were also a source of enjoyment for him. He was a big fan of the SEC teams; however, he cheered the loudest for the Alabama Crimson Tide (Roll Tide). He also closely followed the Atlanta Braves baseball team. When he was not out in his garden, you could usually find him sitting in his recliner watching a game. A favorite pastime of his was fishing. Whether he was fishing the salt waters on the Mississippi Gulf Coast or up at Guntersville Lake in Guntersville, Alabama, Bob always found enjoyment and peace when he was in a boat being rocked by the soothing waves. He was a true fisherman, always keeping his favorite fishing spots a secret from any outsiders. Mr. Abernathy is preceded in death by his parents and his two younger brothers, Jerry and Jack Abernathy. He is survived by his wife, Linda Gautier Abernathy, of Grand Bay, Alabama, his son Donnie (Robin) of Grand Bay and his daughter Angela Smith (Hal) of Mobile. Three step-children, Ricky Cauley (Rachel), Mike Shoemake (Erica) and Beth Baugh (Gene) He is also survived by 10 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Surrounded by loved ones, his family takes solace in knowing that he was secure in his salvation and he was ready to move to his eternal home when the Lord called him home. Funeral arrangements are with Serenity Funeral Home in Theodore, Alabama. He will be laid to rest at the National Cemetery in Biloxi, MS. on December 29, 2023. Pallbearers will be Hal Smith, Austin Smith, Chase Scott, Ricky Cauley, Mike Shoemake and Jacob Green.

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Bobby Austin Abernathy

May 17, 1935 - December 21, 2023