Leroy Abernathy, 87, of Morganton went home with Jesus on February 23, 2024 after numerous operations.
He was a native of Burke County, NC born September 22, 1936 to the late Walter Oran Abernathy and Julia Abee Abernathy.
He was in the furniture business for over 30 years then retiring to Grading and Landscaping business for over 20 years. After serving with the United States Army, he worked for Henredon Furniture for 6 years before devoting 30 years to Crestline/Hickory Hill/Norwalk/Lexington furniture. Retiring from there to start his own business with his son, Abernathy Landscaping, for over 20 years.
Above all, he was a Christian and loved his Lord. He was a member of Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church of Morganton. He was devoted to his family, second only to his love for God. His greatest legacy will be his devotion to his wife and his children.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Henrietta Cook Abernathy; daughter, Ella Abernathy McGaughey (Bryant) of Cary, NC; son, Roy Abernathy of Ball Ground, Ga, and son Jimmy Abernathy (Amy) of Morganton, NC; granddaughters, Skylar McGaughey and Ryley McGaughey both of Chapel Hill, NC and Ciara Clark of Marion, NC; grandsons, Ian Abernathy of Ball Ground, Ga, Oran and William Abernathy both of Morganton, NC, Barrett Burleson of Marion, NC; along with a number of loving nephews, nieces, cousins, and special friends.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Becky Bentley of Gamewell, NC, Emigene Franklin of Morganton, NC; and brothers, Robert Abernathy of Valdese, NC, Larry Abernathy, Jimmy Abernathy, Herb Lambert and Jerry Abernathy all of Morganton, NC.
The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m., Monday, March 4th, 2024 at Antioch Baptist Church in Morganton NC. The funeral will follow at 2 p.m. in the church with Rev. Dr. Danny Ward officiating. Military honors will be provided by the US Army.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Valley Hills Antique Power Club, Attn: Walt Garrison, 124 Garrison Rd., Morganton, NC 28655.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
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One of the best men iv known.
Jimmy and family. I am so sorry to learn of your Dads passing. He truely was a wonderful man. I enjoyed our talks when he came to mow grass. The thing I liked the most was with him what you saw was what you got. It was always very obvious how much he loved you and the boy's. He will truely be missed. May he rest in peace. You and the family are in my prayers.
Will always remember Leroy's love for his family and his horses. He worked hard and loved even harder. Prayers to his family and friends.
Thank you for being my dad for 3 years (1983-1986) and giving my sister, brother, and I a chance to know what a real family was. You will be sadly missed. Fly high dad. Thoughts and prayers to all the family.
I would like to let Henretta know I am so very sorry for her loss. I have known Leroy and Henretta for many many years as they were precious friends of my mom and dad (Alva Lee and Helen Smith) our families spent a lot of precious times together that I will always remember To know them was to love them Fly high Leroy and Lord Bless and keep your arms around our precious Henretta Love and Prayers Pam Smith Pennell
Leroy and Henretta are very precious long time friends of my mom and dad Alva Lee and Helen Smith I remember when we would visit it was always a special time they were so good and loving to us. Lost touch but I remember them well with loving thoughts. Leroy will be missed by many as he was a great man good to all Pam Smith Pennell
Thank you for being a foster dad to me and my siblings. You taught us what a dad was. You were the first true father figure we had and frankly the only one we ever had. The three years in your home were the most stable and secure home life we ever had. Until we meet again in heaven 💙. Melissa "Missy"
Leroy was my favorite!! I worked with them at Pinecrest for a couple years. He was so devoted to his beautiful wife and family. My prayers and condolences to your family.
My sympathy to all the family. I remember him from Chesterfield School.