James Rivers Mabry, Jr

  James Rivers “Rivey” Mabry, Jr. 76, of Abbeville, SC, passed away on September 23, 2022 at Self Regional Healthcare in Greenwood, SC.

  Born May 19, 1946 to the late James Rivers Mabry, Sr and Caroline Black Mabry. He was a 1964 graduate of Abbeville High School and a member of the high school marching band where he played the trumpet.  He was a member of Abbeville Presbyterian Church and member of the Baritone Voice Choir. He served a brief stent in the National Guard and worked with Abbeville Rescue Squad as a paramedic.  He was a licensed electrician and owner and operator of Mabry’s Electrical Service for over 30 years.

  Rivers was a performer and vocalist in numerous plays at the Abbeville Opera House including The Sound of Music and Oklahoma. He sang the Lords Prayer during the weddings of his brother, Dexter, sister Caroline and daughter Susan. He served as a city councilman, a member of the Abbeville Jayce’s, involved with the yearly Christmas parades and was instrumental in fund raisers.  He was a devoted Clemson football fan and IPTAY member. He enjoyed nothing more than taking family to the Clemson football games in Death Valley and soaking up some of the best football atmosphere around. Rivers had a big heart for animals, but, particularly had an affection for cats, which included a few of his own Main Coon’s Trouble, Tiger, and Spell Binder. 

  Rivers is survived by his two daughters Theresa Mabry and Susan Mabry Thompson, both of Abbeville. Two grandsons Kale (Meg) and Cody Thompson, great granddaughters Ember Moon Smith and Kenna Thompson all of Abbeville. A nephew Preston Mabry of Columbia, SC.

  He was preceded in death by his brothers Francis, Dexter, Tommy, and a sister Caroline Mabry King. A grandson Jedediah “Jed” Smith.

  “Life’s journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well-preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting…...what a ride!!!” GO-TIGERS!

  No services are scheduled.  In lieu of flowers, his daughter’s respectfully request donations be made to Abbeville Animal Shelter, 79 Old Calhoun Falls Rd., Abbeville, SC 29620 in his memory.