James Randall Abner was born February 3, 1947, in Lebanon, Kentucky. He departed this life on January
22, 2024, at the University of Kentucky Medical Center in Lexington.
He spent the near entirety of his life residing in Breathitt County, which represents a home and a people
he cherished. He and his wife, Pam, raised a family of five children on Lost Creek next door to his sister,
Ruth, and her two children, who helped ensure his home and heart were always full.
Randall was a graduate of Little Red School House, Breathitt County High School, and Morehead State
University where he earned both his Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting and Master of Business
Administration Degree.
Randall also earned a Certified Public Accountant designation and established his own accounting firm in
1981, which he continued to operate until his death.
For the majority of his life, Randall was a member of the former Clayhole Grace Brethren Church, where
he wed his wife and later worshiped every Sunday with his children.
Above all else, Randall was a family man. He cherished his wife, children and grandchildren but also his
brothers and sisters and their families. He never missed an opportunity to be with them and led a very
rich life filled with so many wonderful people to love.
Randall was predeceased by his parents, John and Bernadette Vize Abner, his beloved older brother,
John “Buck” Abner, and his brother-in-law, Phillip Haddix. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Pamela
Deaton Abner, his five children: Paige Abner-Peden (David) of St. Louis, MO, Jon Darron Abner of
Raleigh, NC, Chase Abner of Ames, IA, Joel Abner of Lost Creek, KY, and Laura Abner of Georgetown, KY.
His light and love will continue in his grandchildren: Simon Abner, Jonas Abner, Charlotte Abner, Elias
Abner, and Anderson Adkins.
Randall is also survived by his brothers and sisters: Dan Abner (Sandy) of Stamping Ground, KY, Ance
Abner (Mary Kay) of Georgetown, KY, David Abner (Carol) of Jackson, KY, Juan Noble of Indianapolis, IN,
Ruth Haddix of Lost Creek, KY, and Shirley Torok (Ron) of Greenfield, IN. Additionally, he is survived by
his aunts: Gladys Rice (L.K.) of Indianapolis, IN and Faye Abner of Lost Creek, KY. Randall also leaves a
treasure of nieces and nephews and many lifelong friends.
Pallbearers: Daniel Abner, Jason Abner, Jess Haddix, Jarrod Abner, Jonathan Torok, David Kyle Abner
Honorary Pallbearers: Jimmy Lee Keen, Dr. Herb Long, James O. Deaton, Lonnie Watts, J.C. Reynolds,
Mike Holcomb, Danny Mullins, Orlando Noble, Jr., Kash Noble, Mike Griffith, Lonnie Brown, Harold Rice,
Ray David Sallee, Fred Landrum.
Private burial will take place at the Abner family cemetery, Lost Creek, Ky. Lorie Keck officiating, the visitation will be held 5-8 Thursday, and funeral 1 pm Friday
