Mike Gabbard

He was the son of Jesse and Evelyn (Dunham) Gabbard. He was a member of the United States Army until 1972, and a proud soldier of the 82nd Airborne Division. “Airborne all the way brother, Airborne!” 

His hobbies were jumping off of people's roofs with his parachute, being down in the swamp feeding his deer and chicken hawks, and fishing along the Weeki Wachee River. He fed the whole neighborhood with many, many fish fries. Good times! He was much admired and loved by all and even had a song written about him, “Hail to the River” A man’s man! 

He was survived by children: Paula (Robert) Anderson, Kenny (Melinda) Gabbard, Jesse Gabbard, Summer (Rob) Hulett; daughter-in-law:  Diana Gabbard and his two sisters Jacqueline Fay and Gladys Gabbard. 

His grandchildren Morgan Benge, Jon (Kimberly) Brandenburg, Dustin Burton, Justin (Angie) Burton, Kenny Jr (Alecia) Gabbard, Jesse Jr Gabbard, Chase Gabbard, Ariel Hall, Christian Hulett, Daniel Hulett, Emma Hulett and many great grandchildren. 

He had many nieces and nephews - Melissa (Steve) Madison, Starla (Damon) Augustine, Shawn Augustine, Shannon Fay, Kristin Fay, Brandon (Summer) Fay, Angie Fay, and Cassie Fay.

He was preceded in death by his son, Shane Gabbard, his parents Jesse and Evelyn Gabbard, and his sisters Carol Gabbard, Fern Augustine, and Jessica Meadors.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00am, Saturday, September 10, 2022 at Linda Pedersen Park,  Pavilion #2, 6400 Shoal Line Blvd., Weeki Wachee, Florida 34607.

ARRANGEMENTS  BY

MERRITT FUNERAL HOME

SPRING HILL, FLORIDA

(352) 686-6649

"Family Owned and Operated"

www.merrittfuneral.com