Bobby Ray Abner

Bobby Ray Abner, age 82, Command Sergeant Major, departed on his final assignment on February 5, 2016. Having served proudly for 23 ½ years in the US Army, he was a decorated combat veteran of two tours in Vietnam. He received many citations and commendations, including the Purple Heart, Bronze Star and 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, Bronze Star with V device for Valor, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Combat Infantry Man Badge, Arcom with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters among others. He was a United States soldier and became God’s soldier. He was a charter member and deacon of Grace Missionary Baptist Church in Halls. Preceded in death by sons, Bobby Dwain and Brian Abner; parents, Joe and Dicie Abner; sisters, Ellen Kitts and Barbara Valentine; brother, Thurman Abner. He has left behind Joyce Kitts Abner, his childhood sweetheart, love of his life and wife of 63 plus years; who is waiting to join him on their final journey. He also leaves daughter, “daddy’s girl” Karen (Russell) Bell; son, Kevin (Toshia) Abner; grandchildren, Joshua (Alisha) Gordon, Amanda Gordon, Dylan, Chelsey, Emily Abner, and Jason (Kristen) Abner; great grandchildren, Elijah Gordon, Alayna and Grayson Abner; loving brother-in-law, Rev. Elbert Kitts; siblings, Gladys Murphy, Eugene (Joyce) Abner, beloved sister, Juanita (Karl) Beckham and Brenda Burgin; special friend and “hunting buddy”, Frank D. Seaton. Family will receive friends 6-8PM Saturday at Mynatt Funeral Home Halls Chapel with funeral service to follow, Rev. Elbert Kitts officiating. Family and friends will meet 1:45PM Sunday at Kitts Family Cemetery for 2PM interment service.