James "Pokey" Herbert Billy Mcabee

James Herbert Billy "Pokey" McAbee, 67, of Cherryville, NC, passed away Wednesday, February 1, 2023, at Atrium Health Cleveland, Shelby, NC.

He was born July 30, 1955, in Spartanburg Co, SC, son of the late Herbert and Sarah McAbee.

James was a member of Anthony Grove Baptist Church and volunteered at Cherryville Christian Ministries. He loved his church very much.  He was a huge Bruce Lee fan. He never met a stranger, loved to talk, and was very quirky. James also loved NASCAR-especially Kurt Busch.  He grew up in Dallas, NC and worked in textiles at the J.P. Steven's mill.  Pokey was much loved and treasured by his surrounding friends, neighbors, and church family.

His niece, Penny, and her family feel blessed to have shared many joyful years and laughs with Uncle Pokey.  Pokey and his son, Chris, had a love that was unique and cherished to them both.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Lavonia "Boney" McAbee Strickland, Raymond McAbee, Betty McAbee Wooten, and Bobby McAbee.

James is survived by his daughter, Jackie Lee McAbee Parrott and spouse; son, Christopher Lee James McAbee and companion, Sharon; and brother, Charles McAbee.

The family will receive friends, beginning at 12:00 pm, Saturday, February 11, 2023 at Anthony Grove Baptist Church - 100 Anthony Grove Rd, Crouse, NC 28033.

A funeral service officiated by Rev. Dennis Bean, will be held 1:00 pm, Saturday, February 11, 2023, at Anthony Grove Baptist Church - 100 Anthony Grove Rd, Crouse, NC 28033.

Interment will follow the service at Gaston Memorial Park, Gastonia, NC.

The service will be livestreamed on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AnthonyGroveBaptistChurch

Condolences may be made online at www.greenefuneral.com