Emery Gabbard, age 64 of McKee, was born on July 28, 1962, in Richmond, KY and passed away on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at Saint Joseph Hospital in Berea, KY. He is the son of the late Virgil William Gabbard and Elsie Lee Flannery.
He is survived by his nephews, Gilbert Graham, Jr, William Graham, Ellis Junior Smith and Derrick Hurst. He is survived by his niece, Eunice Saylor.
In addition to his parents, Emery was preceded in death by his siblings Robert Charles Gabbard, Eunice Joy Smith and Carolyn Graham. He was also preceded in death by a niece Zella Mae Graham.
To know Emery was to love him. He spent his early years working for farmers in the New Zion area, tending big farms at home, helping his mother can in the summer, talking on the CB, listening to 8 tracks, taking his nieces and nephews to the McLain Family Festival at the top of Big Hill and Hill Top drive-in for Smokey and the Bandit, and to the Rock Store for a pop and candy bar. Emery loved his family very much and people here in the county often saw Emery, Charles and their mom together.
He enjoyed his many adventures with close friends Terry Wheat and Shane Rose. He drank many cups of coffee with his neighbor, Nettie Mullins and Daisy. Emery will be remembered for his easy-going personality and quick to laugh spirit. A saying that most of us grew up with fits Emery Gabbard..."there'll never be another!"
Emery was a member of the Mt Gilead Baptist Church in Tyner, KY.
Funeral services for Emery will be held at 2 P.M. on Monday November 2, 2026, at the Lakes Funeral Home with Bro. Jason Moore officiating. Burial will follow in the Farmer Cemetery. Pallbearers for Emery will be Terry Wheat, Shane Rose, Wendell Kilburn, Ellis Smith Jr, Eugene Saylor, and Eunice Saylor.
