NEELYVILLE, Mo. — Eric Ward Abernathy of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, passed away Oct. 29, 2021.
He was born Sept. 6, 1977 in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. He spent most of his formative years in Jonesboro, Arkansas, but also lived in Clemson, South Carolina, Cincinnati, Ohio, Costa Mesa,
California, San Jose, California, Huber Heights, Ohio and most recently, Poplar Bluff, Missouri. He was a graduate of Jonesboro High School and received a BS in Journalism with a minor in Sociology in 2004 from Arkansas State University.
He was as big fan of the NBA, a Warriors fan, and also of playing His many loves included music, art, cooking, and his cat Milla. He was a good drummer and had recently become an excellent guitar player. He established a YouTube channel demonstrating many of his talents, including his own written songs accompanying videos. He also completed several pin and ink drawings.
He and his dad had also become serious players of disc golf, utilizing the local Poplar Bluff course.
He worked as a professional children’s photographer while in California, but for the last 10 years worked at Buffalo Wild Wings in California, Ohio, and most recently, Poplar Bluff.
He will be mourned in death by his family and many friends.
He is survived by his parents, Roger and Nancy Abernathy of Poplar Bluff; his grandmother, Nadine Gardner of Neelyville; brother, Sean Abernathy (Jenny daughter Eve) of Texas; cousins, Chris Abernathy (Jessica, daughter, Evelyn, son Arthur) of Ohio, Lisa Durlewanger (Justin, son Axel) of Washington, Steve Womack, Jr. (BJ) of Neelyville, Melinda Jeffreys (Chris, sons Chance, Parker and Jacob) of Neelyville, Zack Talbott (Emily, daughter Sophia, Son Weston) of Missouri, Jessica Gardner of Oklahoma, Josh Gardner of Oklahoma, Kimberly Gardner of Oklahoma, and Kristina Smith (Tim, daughters Melody and Olivia) of Oklahoma. Uncles and aunts who loved him included Gary and Suzi Abernathy of Ohio, Carol and Rick Talbott of Neelyville, Patsy and Steve Womack of Poplar Bluff, and Tim and Nancy Gardner of Oklahoma.
Eric was a kind, gentle soul who loved and was loved by everyone who knew him.
Visitation will be at Fowler and Sons Funeral Home in Neelyville on Thursday, Nov. 4, 2021 starting at 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. followed by as short service at the Naylor Memorial Cemetery.
The family requests everyone please wear a mask and observe the social distancing rule while at visitation and at the graveside.