Mr. Abernathy was born, January 30, 1964, in Halifax County to the late Benjamin Abernathy and Mildred Abernathy Hamill. In addition to his parents, Mr. Abernathy was preceded in death by his brother, Ronald Lee Abernathy; uncles, Charlie Davis, Harvey Davis, and Samuel Davis; aunt, Peggy Reed and his cousin, Barbara Reed Newsome.

Surviving are his two children, Benjamin Abernathy, and Megan Abernathy and husband, Dorian Mija; grandchildren, Caden Abernathy, Luke Askew, and MaKenzie Ann Rogers; siblings, Donald Abernathy and wife, Becky, Joan Abernathy Todd, Elaine Abernathy Whitby and husband, Joe, Nancy Abernathy Finch, Judy Abernathy Myrick and husband, W.T., Rose Marie Abernathy, and Ricky Lee Abernathy; cousin, Donna Reed; nieces, Lesha Jordan and husband, Gene, Kimberly Olivier and husband, Desmond, Amy Myrick, Lindsey Myrick, Crystal Whitby Bennett; nephews, Bryan Finch and wife, Christy, Jason Todd and wife, Amy, Michael Abernathy and wife, Katherine, Donald Abernathy and wife Tracy, and Jonathan Lucas. Also surviving is his beloved friend and caretaker, Elizabeth Massey.

A graveside service will be conducted Friday, March 31, 2017, at 11:30 am in Cedarwood Cemetery. The family is receiving friends at the home of Judy Myrick, 1509 South Street, Roanoke Rapids.

Arrangements are being handled by Hockaday Funeral & Cremation Service where online condolences may be sent to www.hockadayfs.com