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Abner Bigbie Obituary
Family-Placed Obituary
ABNER DANIEL BIGBIE Abner Daniel Bigbie, 71, of Altoona, FL passed away on Thursday, June 24, 2009 in Tavares, FL. Born in Lyons, GA, he moved to Altoona from Summerfield in 2006, before that Mr. Bigbie lived in West Palm Beach, FL. He played football for FSU before becoming an Industrial Arts teacher and coach for 32 years. He is survived by his wife: Pam, Altoona, FL; sons: Abner Bigbie, Jr., West Palm Beach, FL and Michael Bigbie, Tallahassee, FL; brothers: Donnie Bigbie, West Palm Beach, FL, Charlie Bigbie, Keystone Heights, FL, and Sammy Bigbie, Live Oak, FL; sister: Evelyn Peoples, West Palm Beach, FL; three grandchildren. A celebration of life will be held 2 PM, Tuesday, June 30, 2009 at Lakeview Terrace, Altoona, FL. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to CURE PSP, Society for Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, Executive Plaza, 11350 McCormick Road, Ste. 906, Hunt Valley, MD 21031 or your favorite charity. Beyers Funeral Home, Umatilla. Beyers Funeral Home 352-669-2146 To express condolences and/or make donations Visit PalmBeachPost.com/obituaries
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Memories and Condolences
for Abner Bigbie
December 16, 2012
Jack and Amy Masters
Our deepest sympathy on your loss I,ve heard he was a great coach from his son. Semper Fi and Godspeed
Chris Kachouroff
September 1, 2010
Coach Bigbie,
Your subtle remarks, strong backbone, and great great determination have never left my memory. From football, to shop, to drafting class, you were slow to anger, quick to encourage. You expected nothing less that the best. Thanks for all of your encouragement.
And to the Bigbie family, many thanks for sharing him with all those students. He made more of an impact than any blog could possibly tell. I found this one quite by accident and it is with great fondness that I look back on those halcyon days with a man of character.
(FH '88)
Brandy Bigbie
October 11, 2009
Abner Bigbie was my dad's (Barry Bigbie) uncle. I met Uncle Abner for the first time at a family reunion not so long ago. He was a very nice man. When my dad heard that Uncle Abner had passed away, he was very upset. I became interested in my family history so I researched it on the internet. I have learned so many wonderful things about my Uncle Abner. I just wish I could have gotten to know him better, but I will meet him in heaven someday. I love you Uncle Abner.
Brandy Bigbie
Patrick Moody
August 22, 2009
Coach Bigbie always had this great smile on his face during the toughest practices in the hottest and most humid days on the practice fields of Forest Hill. I would look up and see that smile thru the sweat and it would say to me, "you can make it".
He was such an inspiration to so many of us, and I have no doubt I will see him again some day in heaven.
God bless you, Coach! Till then!
Dana Spa
July 28, 2009
May he rest now up above. While the ones he left behind feels his love. He will be your guardian angel from now on.
Dana Leslie Spa (FH 79 - 82)
Pam Bigbie
July 22, 2009
God saw that he was getting tired, and a cure was not to be, so He put His arms around him and wispered, "Come with Me."
With tearful eyes we watched him suffer and saw him fade away; although we couldn't bear to lose him, we could not bid him stay.
A golden heart stopped beating, hard-working hands were laid to rest; God broke our hearts to prove to us--He only takes the Best.
July 7, 2009
Mike, Cindy & family:
We are so sorry for your loss. If there is anything we can do, please do not hesitate to call.
You are all in our thoughts & prayers,
Rhonda, Santee, Sedona & Dominic Koenders
July 5, 2009
Dear Bigbie Family,
Coach Bigbie was winning coach at FFHH while I was a student. As a student, I remember his big smile and never failing friendliness to all of us. He was a beloved teacher. I got to know him better when I became a teacher at Forest Hill. He was a bright light wherever we were, whether it be a dreary faculty meeting or chaperoning a dance at the end of a long week. I'll never forget the happiness that Abner brought to those around him. He will be missed. Thoughts and prayers to his family.
Tish Kern
Leroy Givens
July 3, 2009
Bigbie family. We have just heard of the passing of Abner. Abner was a few years ahead of us at Conniston and PBHS. He was a great guy and a outstanding football player. We knew him well and considered him a good friend. In later years Bobby worked with Abner and enjoyed many good times and his friendship. He will be missed. We are deeply sorry for your loss.
Bobby Tydings - Leesburg, FL
Leroy Givens - Silver Springs, FL
Frank and Brenda Shoemaker
July 2, 2009
Pam and the whole Bigbie family you are all in our prayers and thoughts. We had some good times together on Belmont place.
Love you all!
Brenda and Frank Shoemaker
Jack & Cathy
July 1, 2009
Abner was a friend who held a special place in our hearts. We were fortunate to share many happy times with him and Pam. He will be missed...
Anne Scoggins
June 30, 2009
Pam... I can only reflect on all the
good times so many of us shared with
the West Palm Golf group... all the
fun trips and sharing our lives and
times together. Abner always managed
to make us laugh and, of course, you
went right along with him.
Have thought of you both so often..
So, even though my eyes are filled with
tears, I will always have the greatest
of memories ... Abner was a special person.. and ..so are you.
My thoughts and heart are with you
June 29, 2009
Abner has touched so many lives in so many ways, he can never be forgotten. Our love, thoughts and prayers are with you, Pam, Abner Jr., Mike & Cindy, grandchildren-Chase, Tylre & Jessie, Siblings-Evelyn, Donnie, Charlie & Sammy, and all who loved Abner. Pam, I know God has a special place in heaven reserved for you - for the great love, support and care with which you carried Abner through some rough seas. God's blessings to you!
The Rafters - Pat & Betty, John, David, Jim, Patti & Dan
Eric Duffield
June 29, 2009
I will always remember Abner has the consummate athlete, guy with a great heart, and a good friend. Thoughts and prayers to the family.
Carl Lawson
June 29, 2009
Pam and Family
I remember Abner not only for his athletic abilty but for the humble person he was. We have lost a great man and leader and he will surely be missed. He and i were in school and on the football team and I remember at a dynamitic right guard who would protect his team mates on the field and his friends and family off the field, he will be missed.
God bless you and the let the Lord be in charge for you will see him again.
Carl Lawson
Zephyrhills. Florida
Robin Robinson
June 29, 2009
To Pam, Abner, Michael and the Bigbie Family,
Coach Bigbie will be missed. When I hear someone say "A mans man", Coach Bigbie comes to my mind.
His laugh and the stories that were told in the coach's office by Coach & Jimmy are embedded in by mind like it was yesterday. This world would be a lot better off if we had more teachers, coaches and men like Coach. He will be missed.
It was my pleasure to know him and stand next to him on the sidelines.
Thank you Abner.
PAUL PASQUALE
June 29, 2009
IT HAS BEEN 40 YEARS SINCE I LAST SAW ABNER. I'M VERY SORRY ABOUT HIS PASSING. AS A TEAMMATE HE WAS A GREAT GUY BUT HAS A FRIEND, I CONSIDERED HIM ONE OF THE GOOD OLE BOYS.
REST IN PEACE, ABNER
R smith
June 29, 2009
What a great guy. He is already missed. That as much says it.
Stacey "Bigbie " Rasky
June 29, 2009
Pam, my Dad (Danny) just called me this morning to tell us about Abner passing away. I am so sorry to hear the news. My thoughts are with you and the family. He was so well known and liked by so many. As soon as someone hears my maiden name it is usually the first thing the ask.."Are you related to Abner Bigbie". Everyone says you were a great caregiver and I am sure he appreciated you more than anything in his life.
Eric Litschauer
June 29, 2009
My prayers go out to coach Bigbie and his family. I remember him as a firm but fair teacher and coach who taught with a direct approach to discipline and principles. A sign he helped me make in '80 still hangs on my family's cabin in the North Carolina Mountains.
He will be missed.
Glen Harris, A.I.A.
June 29, 2009
I never really knew Abner in his position as a Coach at Forrest Hill High School, but rather, I knew him for two years as my mechanical drafting teacher. He was without a doubt one of the nicest teachers that I had during my years at Forrest Hill. I feel sure he is certainly one of the people responsible for guiding me in my chosen profession of Architecture. I have fond memories of those times, and ask for God's blessings for his family at this time of sorrow.
FHHS Class of 1966
Julia and Dr. Wm. Thompson
June 28, 2009
Our deepest condolences to all the family. I was at FHHS in 60-70's. Coach Bigbie made my students feel good about themselves and that is the essence of teaching. Those were fun years too, great faculty and administration.We are so happy to have known him.
Sheryl Donaway Rogers
June 28, 2009
I am very sorry to learn of Coach Bigbie's passing. I think he touched many of our lives as we passed through the halls of FHHS. My thoughts and prayers are with all of his family.
Heaven has a beautiful angel.
Juli Lassiter
June 28, 2009
Mike and Cindy,
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Your dad,"Coach Bigbie" had such a big influence on myself and so many kids during his many years at FHHS. I feel so fortunate that I got to know him a little better in Tallahassee, what a great man. I am so sorry for your loss. Keep the wonderful memories with him close to your heart forever.
Love you guys,
Juli Lassiter and Josh
Don and Audrey Sejnoha
June 28, 2009
Pam,my wife and I will always remember our senior softball playing days together. Our deepest sympathy go out to you and Abner's family. Well also remember the smile Abner always seemed to carry on his face and never a bad word about anyone. Bless you
Gary and Betty Miller
June 28, 2009
June 28, 2009
We will always remember Abner as one of
those special friends through life. From the days of rugged football practices to the fun times shared by Abner, Tony Booth and I in track to the special bond we cheerleaders had with our football guys, he was always a leader. He was truly the best athlete at PBHS during our time on The Hill. Thank you Pam for loving and taking care of our good friend.
Gary and Betty Miller
Scott Jones
June 28, 2009
We are very sorry for your loss, Pam, Mike and the entire Bigbie family. I enjoyed the years playing on the state championship flag football teams with Abner and Mike....the only father-son combination in the league! Our family's thoughts go out to you at this time of sorrow.
race russo
June 28, 2009
"Apple" Math 105 and our days at F.S.U. will always be fondly
remembered. God bless and keep you.
Bob "Race"Russo
F.S.U. '65
Chuck Peet
June 28, 2009
Coach Bigbie,
You were something special and will always be remembered for all the right reasons.
Jack & Cathy Canton
June 27, 2009
We will always remember the times we shared with Abner. His joy and love of life was infectious. Though our time together was only a brief moment in the totality of his life, it made a tremendous imprint on our life.
Abner is surely looking down at his angel, Pam. The best caregiver he could have asked for...
Jack & Cathy
June 27, 2009
Pam and family, I was a friend of Abner's at PBHS. We were both members of the Key Club and I played football for 1 season with him. I never saw him in the ensuing 53 years, but I remember him as a wonderful person. May God's blessings be with you and your family.
Mike Stetson, Stuart, FL
June 27, 2009
Abner was an awsome person. He was was the most competitive athlete I have ever known. We played against one another in Jr. high. We played together at PBHS, football and baseball. we served in the Marines. Abner was one you would want at your side in a fox hole,he was a true friend. Abner fought a gallant battle against his illness. I look forward to being with him someday in heaven.He touched many young lives in his coaching and teaching. This world will be a better because of his influence on each of us. Pam, you are the the most wonderful caregiver, most loving wife that Abner could ever imagine having. God bless you.
Charlie "Gator" Anderson and Gale
PBHS 1956
family of Ronald Bigbie
June 27, 2009
Pam, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time.
Peggy Burgess-Franz
June 27, 2009
My deepest condolences to each of you; Pam, Abner Jr., and Michael. Also to Abner's siblings, in particular Charlie and Sammy, who are friends with various members of the "Burgess" families. We had the privilege of sharing in our lives by attending grade and high school together plus continued friendships througout the years. We will always treasure those memories.
Each of you are in our thoughts and prayers. May God bless, guide and comfort you in the days ahead.
Love and Best Wishes to you all.
henry martin
June 27, 2009
Abner was a wonderful person and a great friend,he will be missed.
God bless you Pam.
Ron Bandlow
June 27, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Bigbie Family. Abner was a great athlete, and highly respected teacher and coach. He will be greatly missed.
The Bandlow Family (Ron, Marie, Kim, Kelley, Pat and Brad)
Carey & Mary Jane Lockman
June 27, 2009
Pam: Carey knew Abner since Palmetto Grade School and they were close friends all these years. They played football together at Conniston and Palm Beach High and later taught and coached together at Forst Hill. I have known Abner since Conniston and have many fond memories of him and what a great person he was. He will be truly missed. Pam, we are so glad that Abner had you beside him for these last years of his life. You were truly a blessing to him and all of his friends really appreciate how happy you made him.
Beverly Jacobs
June 27, 2009
Pam, my heart aches for you. The following prayer has given me comfort since I lost Jerry and I hope it will do the same for you and the boys.
"God saw the road was getting rough, the hill was hard to climb; He gently closed those loving eyes and whispered Peace be thine. The weary hours, the days of pain, the sleepless nights are passed, the ever patient worn-out frame has found sweet rest at last! In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, AMEN"
We have lost another good man and a friend. May God comfort you in this time of need.
Buddy Blount
June 27, 2009
Abner is loved and respected by many. My life long friend.... you will be missed. The memories of our friendship from childhood thru adulthood will be cherised. You were special. I'll see ya later old friend.
Pam, your love and devotion to Abner has not gone unnoticed and is highly respected. You are a Saint.
Sharon Workman
June 27, 2009
Our prays to your family -Coach was a good man and he will be truly missed. Remember good times at Forest Hill High School 1977.
Bill Hoover
June 27, 2009
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
June 27, 2009
Edward Smith
June 27, 2009
It saddens me to lose a person who was so instrumental in shaping and developing me in my youth. Coach Bigbie was my position coach for 3 years at F.H. He taught me the game of football not just techniques. I was always in awe of his lack of size and the legends that surrounded his famous forearm shiver as well as his athletic accomplishments. Thanks for sharing part of your life with me coach. George Fuller F.H. '73
Tim Lowry
June 27, 2009
Pam and Bigbie family I am deeply sorry for your loss. It was a privilige to have taught and coached with Abner. More importantly it was a honor to be his friend
Russell McGee
June 27, 2009
I played football for him in my freshman year (1974) at Forest Hill High School. He was a good coach. He will be missed.
June 27, 2009
Pam and the entire Bigbie family I am truely sorry for your loss. I had the honor and privalige of not only coaching and teaching with Abner, more importantly being able to call him my friend. May god bless you all.
Rest in Peace my friend.
Tim Lowry
Arnold May
June 27, 2009
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Dino Ruffa
June 27, 2009
As I now raise my children I find that there are few true teachers like Coach Bigbie. I had the privledge of having him on several occasions as a teacher at Forest Hill. He was tough, fair and engaging. Thank You! You helped me understand what a student athlete meant. You made us better.
God Bless you and your family.
Jim tinsley
June 26, 2009
Abner, all of us ole Conniston players
will miss you,May God Bless you and
your family.
Jimmy Tinsley
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