Just got a text saying the veteran 9th Region basketball official and softball umpire passed away last night in his sleep.

 

Had many interactions with Ray during softball. He was one of the good ones and we will miss him calling balls and strikes.

 

R.I.P Ray

Just got a text saying the veteran 9th Region basketball official and softball umpire passed away last night in his sleep.

 

Had many interactions with Ray during softball. He was one of the good ones and we will miss him calling balls and strikes.

 

R.I.P Ray

So sorry to hear this. Prayers to his family and friends.

Ray Gabbard was a great man that gave many years of service to high school athletics. He was a high school basketball referee for about 30 years and then worked for years after as an evaluator, helping young officials improve.

 

Northern Kentucky HS athletics was lucky to have a man like Ray. He will be missed by many.

Ray will be missed in so many ways, had the good fortune of umpiring many games with Ray, he will be missed by his Northern Ky sports friends, his church and his family. Thoughts and prayers for his family.

I've known Ray for almost all of my 40 years being around the game in Northern Kentucky and always was happy to see him being there to work one of our games.

Always a smile and kind words.

 

He will be missed.

Had some good conversations with Ray about basketball officiating. Prayers to his family and friends. RIP Ray.

Prayers to Ray's family. He was a great man! As a young and dumb HS coach, that always got over excited, Ray calmed me down a few times both on and off the court. Not only did he teach young officials, he helped young coaches too. I always enjoyed seeing him at the State Tournament with his family. He will be missed!

Look for some local officials honoring him with a RG patch on their jacket sleeves.

A very good man. He definitely will be missed.

Look for some local officials honoring him with a RG patch on their jacket sleeves.

 

Saw it last night at Ludlow.

Ray "Jr." Gabbard, Great person, RIP.

Ray Gabbard was a great man that gave many years of service to high school athletics. He was a high school basketball referee for about 30 years and then worked for years after as an evaluator, helping young officials improve.

 

Northern Kentucky HS athletics was lucky to have a man like Ray. He will be missed by many.

 

One of the best people I've ever known and a great ref to work with. He always had control of games and was great working with players and coaches. Respected by everyone which is very difficult to do. Will miss him greatly.

Sorry to hear of Jr's passing. He was a genuinely kind man to all he came in contact with. Will miss playing golf with him.

 

William “Ray” Gabbard Jr. age 70, of Hebron, KY, passed away on Thursday, December 14, 2017. William was born in Jackson County Kentucky, to the late William Sr. and Rosie Gabbard. He was a member of Hebron Baptist Church, Northern Kentucky Sports Hall of Fame, the Burlington Masons, and a KHSAA Sports Official. In his spare time he enjoyed golfing, hunting, fishing, and being involved in sports. A visitation for Ray will be held at Hebron Baptist Church on Monday, December 18, 2017; from 5 to 8pm. Funeral services will take place on Tuesday, December 19, 2017 at 11 am, at Hebron Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Burlington Cemetery. Memorial donations in William’s name may be payable to Hebron Baptist Church Masters Plan. P.O. Box 92, Hebron, KY 41048. Online condolences may be expressed at Home | Chambers & Grubbs Funeral Home, best provider of funeral se....

 

I'm thinking many Northern Kentucky hoops fans will recognize the photo, who didn't actually know his name.