Bobby Lee Abernathy, 81, of Athens passed away peacefully at home Tuesday, April 7, 2020, surrounded by family. He was born in Limestone County to Grady C. Abernathy and Ollie Murphy Abernathy, and he was a longtime member of the Church of Christ.

Bobby was raised to be a hard worker. He spent his early life farming cotton, selling used cars, raising horses and indulging a love of drag racing that he passed on to his son Bob and his granddaughter Samantha.

In 1960, he married Mary Carol Chandler, and together they raised three children; Bobby passed away one day shy of their 60th wedding anniversary.

In 1967, he joined the Huntsville Fire Department and proudly served the city for 28 years, receiving a Medal of Valor from the mayor in 1981 for exhibiting skill and bravery above and beyond the call of duty. While working for HFD, he also volunteered as a Reserve Officer for the Limestone County Sheriff's Office and began work as a private contractor, building numerous houses over the course of 18 years, doing much of the labor with his own hands.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Bobby Lee Abernathy Jr.; daughter, Sherry Anne Abernathy; and brother, Grady Harris Abernathy.

Survivors include his wife, Carol; son, Jeff Abernathy (Sandy); daughter-in-law, Joanne Abernathy; grandchildren, Joseph Abernathy, Samantha Archer (Seth), Gage Abernathy and Skye Abernathy; great-grandchildren, Scout Archer and Luke Abernathy; sister, Ann Travis; and brothers, Murphy Abernathy and Perry Abernathy.

A private graveside service will be held at a later date. In Bobby's memory, donations may be made to the Hospice organization of your choice.

Rest well, Bobby. Your work here is done.

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