Mr. Bobby Roe Ables, age 73, of Muscle Shoals, Ala., was called home to be with the Lord on July 24, 2007. Visitation will be Wednesday, July 25, 2007, from 6-9 p.m. at Morrison Funeral Home, of Tuscumbia. His funeral service will be Thursday, July 26, 2007, at 3:30 p.m. in the funeral home chapel, with Brother Bruce Palmer officiating. Burial will be in Barton Cemetery. Nephews will serve as pallbearers, Jr. Highfield, Larry Jarnigan, Roger Lard, Bobby Wallace, Curtis Wallace and Eugene Wallace.
He leaves behind his loving wife of 52 years, Ester Ables; three children, Ronnie Ables, wife, Pam, of Cherokee, Wanda Abernathy and husband, Edgar, of Tuscumbia, Sandy Flack and husband, Rodney, of Tuscumbia; grandchildren, Nikki Nobles and husband, Jason, of Tuscumbia, Heather Wilson, Michael Wilson, of Tuscumbia, Benji Hauerwas (Hope), of Cherokee, Chelsie Flack, Holly Flack, Tessa Flack, of Tuscumbia; great-grandchildren, Brandon Ables, Jonathon Nobles, Emily Nobles, Drew Wilson and Tyson Hauerwas.
He is survived by his sisters, Stella Jarnigan and husband, Hollis, of Cherokee, Edna Highfield, of Iuka, Miss., Peggy Leatherman and husband, Joe, of Defiance, Ohio; and a host of nephews and nieces.
Mr. Ables joined the U.S. Army at the age of 19. He traveled the world, including tours in Korea, Austria, Germany and Vietnam. After serving his country for 20 years, in 1972, he retired from the military as sergeant first class. He returned home to Colbert County, where he began his second career with the Colbert County Sheriff's Department. In 1980, Mr. Ables was promoted to chief deputy sheriff by Sheriff Buddy Aldridge, where he continued to faithfully serve the people of Colbert County until his retirement in 1994. Mr. Ables was a member of the Gideon International, serving in the local chapter. He also ministered to troubled youth at the detention center. He was a longtime member of Mhoontown United Methodist Church, where he served on the board as treasurer. He was also Lay leader and a member of Vertigreen Masonic Lodge, Cherokee, Ala.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the many wonderful caregivers during the last months of his life. A special thank you to Dr. Ronald McCoy and Brother Bruce Palmer, Sunbridge Rehab of Muscle Shoals, second-floor nurses and aides, fourth-floor nurses and aides for all their kindness and compassion. The family would also like to thank everyone for all their calls, cards, visits, prayers and words of encouragement spoken during this difficult time. May God bless each and every one of you.
Morrison Funeral Home, of Tuscumbia, is directing.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
August 1, 2007
Sandy Ables Flack
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2007
In The Loving Memory of My Daddy.
July 31, 2007
Toni Wadkins Uhlman
I was out of town and had no idea of your loss until afterwards. Having recently suffered a loss of my own, I understand the extent of your loss. Bobby was a good man, and servant of the Lord in addition to being a good friend. My deepest sympathy. He will surely be missed.
July 29, 2007
wanda abernathy
thank you everyone for your kind words, prayers and acts of kindness during the illness and loss of our loved one. our family has suffered a great loss but we rejoice in knowing that we will all be reunited in the arms of Jesus someday.
July 27, 2007
Elaine Stanley
Bobby was truly a God-serving, family-oriented, man. He came to our little church in Margerum as a lay-speaker and made a wonderful, and lasting impression. Isn't it great to know that we will one day see him again when we all get to Heaven!!!
July 26, 2007
Martha Morgan
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
July 25, 2007
Teressia Norman-Smith
Sandy.... I am so sorry to read about your Dad...My deepest sympathy to you and your family..Teressia Norman-Smith
July 25, 2007
Judy Smith
I worked with Bob at the courthouse for many years. He was a dear friend to my family and myself. May the love and tender mercy of God surround you during this time of sorrow. With heartfelt sympathy.
July 25, 2007
Suzanne Goss
July 25, 2007
Marty Goss
July 25, 2007
Kevin Taylor
I had the privilege to assist Mr. Ables in his severing the public as a Sherrif's Deputy. In the many years of volunteering with the Cherokee Rescue Squad and Cherokee Vol. Fire Dept, we would work in some of the most difficult situations together. Mr. Ables was always professional and kind in the many cases we worked on together. When ever I had to go by the Sheriff's office to give them reports, he made a point to call me by name and ask how I was doing and if my parents; Jack Taylor and Elizabeth Taylor of Cherokee, were doing ok. I was very sadden when I just recieved the call of his passing. My prayers are with you.
July 25, 2007
Will,Gina,and Zachary Hollins
To The Ables Family,
I would like to send my deepest symphany to you all.I am very sorry for your loss.Bobby will be greatly missed.If any of you need anything please let me know.I love you all and my God bless each of you with his love.
July 25, 2007
Debra Craig
Wanda, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Your Dad was a very special person. I know he loved you so very much. My prayers will be with you and your family.
July 25, 2007
Jerry Shirley
Esther, As an old Army friend of Bobbys , I would like to offer my deepest condolences. He was a close friend and will be missed greatly.
July 25, 2007
Roger, Devona, and Jordan Denton
I worked with Chief Ables from the late 80's to the early 90's. Bob will be missed by all who knew him. Our sympathy goes out to the family.
July 25, 2007
Amanda McWilliams Parker
Nikki and Ronnie, I'm so sorry to hear about your grandfather and father. I have so many wonderful childhood memories of all of you. I remember what a great,kind man Mr. Ables was and how much you loved him. All these years later I could see him out and he would still remember me. I know he was such a blessing to your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
July 25, 2007
Jim and Beverly Smith
Sorry for loss. Our prayers are with you.
July 25, 2007
Russ amd Mary Edna Logan
Please accept our deepest sympathies.
July 25, 2007
Pastor Chuck Lansdell
Bobby and I often talked about how The Lord could use anyone if you would just make your self avalible, and have a servant's heart. We knew that because we both had lived that truth.God used Bobby to touch many lives. I pray God's perfect peace for each member of his family.
God Bless
July 25, 2007
Barbara DeVaney
Mrs. Ables,
I worked at the courthouse with Bobby and he always had a smile & spoke when we saw him. You and your family are in my thoughts & prayers at this time of great loss.
July 25, 2007
Geirge Hooper
I worked with Bobby as a Reserve Deputy Sheriff for several years. He was a wonderful person.
(George & Patsy Hooper)
July 25, 2007
JERRY THORNE
I was so sorry it was long time.
July 25, 2007
Terry Malone
Bobby was a dear brother in the Lord. His witness as a Gideon was a joy to all who served with him. We rejoice that we know he is in the arms of Jesus. Our sympathies to Esther and all his family. We will miss him.
July 25, 2007
Emily
I'm already missing his smile. He was and will always be one of my favorite patients! I pray that God will wrap his loving arms around you and hold you ever so tight. If you need anything please please call!!
July 25, 2007
The Staff of Morrison Funeral Home
Offering our deepest sympathies at this time.
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