Rev. Charles Abanathy, 83, of Paragould, made his journey to Heaven on Saturday surrounded by his family. He was a pastor in Northeast Arkansas for over 63 years and was serving as pastor of SonLight Baptist Church. He retired from Emerson Electric after 43 years, and Bro. Abanathy was also a district coordinator and driver safety instructor for AARP. He was the son of the late Cecil and Grace Abanathy. He was also preceded in death by his brothers, Daryl and Earl Abanathy; sister, Irene Moore; son-in-law, Terry Watson; brother-in-law, Dale McBroom, and parents-in-law, J.E. "Buster" and Loraine McBroom.

Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Gail Abanathy of the home; children, Tim and Lynda Abanathy, Rita and Johnny Lawrence, John and Lisa Abanathy, and Glenn and Gailia Newberry; "adopted" son, Mack and Kristi Davis; nine grandchildren, Stephen and Rachel Abanathy, Melanie and Jonathan Hiles, Evan and Tiffany Abanathy, Ryan and Kim Abanathy, Anmity and Adam Bruton, Bufford and Valerie Newberry, Conrad and Kendra Newberry, Tara Watson, and Alisha Watson; thirteen great grandchildren, Grace, Luke, Liam, Rylee, Brock, Calleigh Jean, Cache, Caine, Chloe, Cooper, Braelynn, Hadley, and Alex; and brothers/sisters-in-law, Jake and Sue McBroom, Terry and Carolyn McBroom, Kent and Rita McBroom, Bill and Pat Tabor, Betty McBroom, and Winona Abanathy.

Visitation is Monday from 5-7 PM at Heath Funeral Home. The funeral is Tuesday at 10:00 AM at Heath Funeral Home with Adam Bruton, Tim Abanathy, and John Abanathy officiating. Burial is in Greene County Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers are Stephen, Evan, and Ryan Abanathy, Bufford and Conrad Newberry, Jonathan Hiles, and Mack Davis. Honorary pallbearers are Jake, Terry, and Kent McBroom and Bill Tabor. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to SonLight Baptist Church.