Roy Columbus “R.C.” Gabehart, 75, of Knifley, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 15, 2023 at his home in Knifley after a lengthy illness.
Born July 14, 1948 in Taylor County, he was the son of the late Wanless Jr. “Bug” and Irene Eastridge Gabehart.
R. C. is survived by his wife of 55 years, Marilyn Neat Gabehart; four children, Robin Gabehart, Debbie Cowan (Doug), Teresa Huddleston (Craig) and James Gabehart (Jennifer); he was beloved Pa R.C. to nine grandchildren, Casey Chelf, Ashley Nelson, Leslie Cowan, Levi Huddleston, Gabe Cowan, Quinton Huddleston, Landon McBeath, Hunter Gabehart, and Bailey Gabehart; eight great grandchildren Foster Thompson, Addie Jo Nelson, Annie Kate Nelson, Finleigh Chelf, Carson Nelson, Avery Nelson, Ada Caroline Huddleston, and Reed Cowan; five sibling June Carney, Vonda Kay Stamm, Kathy Tucker (Bradley), Pete Gabehart, and Randy Gabehart (Sheila); and several nieces and nephews.
A devout Christian, R. C. attended Purdy Church for 40 years where he enjoyed singing for the Lord.
R. C. was a man of many skills and talents. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, sports, pulling mules, and Tennessee Walking Horses. His quick wit and outgoing personality were well known, and he never met a stranger. He was proud to be a life-long farmer, raising tobacco, hay, and beef cattle.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, September 19, 2023 at the Purdy Separate Baptist Church with burial in the Eastridge Cemetery. Visitation was held on Monday and Tuesday at Stotts-Phelps-McQueary Funeral Home.
Donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or Kosair Charities and can be left at the funeral home.
Stotts-Phelps-McQueary Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.