Bobby Ray Abernathy, 87, was born December 23, 1938, in Iredell County, N.C., and passed away July 23, 2026. He adored his wife of 54 years, Billie Jo Ball Abernathy, who preceded him in death on October 12, 2021. Bobby was preceded in death by his father, Donald Harlee Abernathy; his mother, Mary Rachael Cash Abernathy; his wife, Billie Jo Ball Abernathy; and his sister, June Abernathy. He is survived by his daughter, Tanya Marie Abernathy Jackson of Vale, N.C.; his son, Daniel Ray Abernathy of Statesville, N.C.; his sister, Margaret Josey of Statesville, N.C.; and four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the care of Bobby and his family.