Jerry Robert McAbee, age 71, of Old Wagy Road, Forest City, NC, died Thursday, May 15, 2014 at Cleveland Regional Medical Center.
Born November 26, 1942 in Rutherford County, he was a son of the late Thomas Alfred McAbee and Annie Mae Smith McAbee. He was a graduate of Chase High School, class of 1961 and worked for PPG Industries for many years before retirement. He was a member of Forest Lake Baptist Church and enjoyed being a Bingo Caller for several groups. You could always find Jerry playing cards with his friends at Hardees or at the Forest City Owls games. He also enjoyed teaching computer classes at the Rutherford County Senior Center and woodcarving.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Velma “Tootsie” McAbee; two sisters, Deborah Faye McAbee and Ramona Freeman and three brothers, Kenneth, Bobby and Edward McAbee.
Survivors include his daughter, Annette McAbee Emory and husband, Joey of Rutherfordton; two brothers, Tim McAbee and wife, Becki and Ricky McAbee and wife, Mary all of Forest City; two sisters, Lennis Flynn of Lincolnton, NC and Rhonda Coffey and husband, Kenny of Forest City. He is also survived by two grandchildren, Brent Emory of Rutherfordton and Lacey McFalls and husband, Justin of Charlotte; one great grandson, Mason McFalls also of Charlotte.
Funeral services will be conducted at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, May 19, 2014 at the Harrelson Funeral Chapel with Reverend Wayne Toney officiating. Interment will follow in Eternal Hills Memorial Park. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service time at the funeral home.
Memorial donations are suggested to Hospice of Rutherford County, PO Box 336, Forest City, NC 28043
