Rick Abernathy

August 19, 1947 - November 11, 2020

Rickie Abernathy, 73, of Centralia, passed away Wednesday, November 11, 2020 at Belleville Memorial Hospital. Rickie was born August 19, 1947, the son of Horgan Junior Abernathy and Kathryn Louise (Butler) Chivario. He married Helen Swindell on October 23, 1965 in Centralia, and she survives him in Centralia. In addition to his wife Helen of 55 years, he is survived by one daughter: Lisa Abernathy of Centralia; one brother: Charles M. Schaeffer of Centralia; three sisters: Susan Smith of Fort Myers, FL, Kim Moody and husband Brad of Sapulpa, OK, and Susan Gilliand of Sapulpa, OK; nephews: Charles P. Schaeffer of Centralia, Grady Swindell Jr. of Nexa, MO; nieces: Tiffany Ott of Centralia, and Ami Finley and husband Matt of Centralia; niece and nephew he helped raise: Mariah Davis and significant other Corey Meskil of Centralia and Roger Campbell Sr and wife Danielle of Centralia; brother-in-law: John Ott and wife Candi of Las Vegas, NV. Rickie was preceded in death by his parents: Horgan and Kathryn Abernathy; daughter: Paula LeeAnn Abernathy; sister-in-laws: Leanna Swindell, and Paula Swindell, brother-in-laws: Grady Swindell Sr., and Dean Swindell. He was member of the Elks Lodge #493 and in his younger years, Jaycee’s club. He loved to golf and fly airplanes. He taught himself how to sail a 27 foot sailboat. He also enjoyed painting pictures. Anyone that knew Rickie, knew how caring and generous he was, always showing people kindness. Per Rickie’s wishes, cremation rites will be accorded and no public services will be held. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the family and will be accepted by the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home at 235 North Sycamore Street in Centralia, IL 62801 (618) 532-3523, who is honored to be of service to the Abernathy family. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com or the Funeral Home’s Facebook page.