Born July 14, 1948, in Taylor County, KY 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); 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 Forty 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 will be 11:00am Tuesday, September 19, 2023, at the Purdy Separate Baptist Church with burial in the Eastridge Cemetery. Visitation will be on Monday from 4:00-8:00pm and will continue Tuesday morning until 9:00am at Stotts-Phelps-McQueary Funeral Home. Visitation will be at the church from 9:00-11:00am on Tuesday.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St Jude Childrens Hospital or Kosair Charities and can be left at the funeral home.
Stotts-Phelps-McQueary Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements