Mr. Abernathy was born Feb. 5, 1957, in Bartow County, the son of Dewitt Abernathy and the late Mary Ruby (Tanner) Abernathy and was a member of Clear Creek Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death by his mother; a brother, Troy Abernathy; and sister-in-law, Edna Abernathy.
Surviving is his wife, Cathy Abernathy of Cartersville; two children, Stephanie Lanham and her husband, Derek, of Kingston, Forrest Abernathy and his wife, April, of Emerson; three grandchildren, D.J. and Kaylie Lanham, Harley Abernathy; a brother, Doyle Abernathy of Cartersville; his father, Dewitt Abernathy of Cartersville; father-in-law, Rev. Francis Summey of Cartersville; brothers-in-law, Ron and his wife Jane Summey of Dalton, Donnie and his wife Pat Summey, David and his wife Kay Summey, Ricky and his wife Barbara Summey, all of Cartersville; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, May 1, at 2 p.m. in the chapel of Owen Funeral Home with Rev. David Summey and Rev. Donnie Summey officiating.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home Monday evening from 5 to 8 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Heartland Hospice.
Mr. Abernathy will be cremated.
Go to www.owenfuneral.com to post tributes and sign the online guestbook.
Owen Funeral Home, 12 Collins Drive, Cartersville, is in charge of the arrangements.