Rick C. Abby, 65, of Mount Carmel, Illinois, went to be with the Lord on September 29, 2022, at Alive Hospice in Nashville, Tennessee with his loving family by his side. He was born on July 17, 1957, in Mount Carmel, the son of Clarence and Helen (Lowe) Abby. He married the love of his life, Sandy Blackburn on July 2, 1978, and together they have enjoyed forty-four years of marriage, devoted to their family.
Rick was employed at Snap-On Tools until it closed in 2004, and then went to work for Packaging Corporation of America. In his younger years, Rick enjoyed being outdoors, hunting and fishing. He also enjoyed riding dirt bikes which led some of his grandchildren to also love the sport. Rick spent every moment he could going to his grandchildren’s races. His family was his priority and spending time with them, especially his grandchildren, brought him great joy. Rick attended Parkview Christian Church as long as his health permitted. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
Rick leaves behind his loving wife, Sandy; two daughters, Jennifer Barbre and husband Christopher, Sara Calverley, and husband Bryan; grandchildren, Evan and Matthew Barbre, Emmy and Max Calverley; sisters, Kathy McClellan and husband Paul, Becky Whitlow and husband Jim; one nephew, Eric McClellan and wife Megan.
Rick was preceded in death by his parents.
Family and friends are invited to gather for a Visitation from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Monday, October 3, 2022, in the Chapel of Keepes Funeral Home.
Funeral Services will be 1:00 p.m., Monday, October 3, 2022, in the Chapel of Keepes Funeral Home with Pastor Mark Richison officiating. Burial will follow at Highland Memorial Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made in Rick’s memory to Vanderbilt – Ingram Cancer Center. Envelopes will be at the funeral home or can be mailed to Keepes Funeral Home, 1500 North Cherry Street, Mount Carmel, IL 62863.
Keepes Funeral Home is serving the family with the arrangements. To view Rick’s tribute wall, purchase flowers and leave condolences for the Abby family, please visit www.keepesfuneralhome.com
