Ray Abernathy

Ray Abernathy, 90, of Morganton went to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, August 30, 2018.  Born in Burke County, NC on October 1, 1927, he was the son of the late Foster Abernathy and Bertha Mace Abernathy.  Ray was a former member of Bethlehem Baptist Church.  He was a U.S. Army veteran of WWII and the Korean War.  He retired from Henredon Furniture.  Mr. Abernathy loved music, especially playing the fiddle.  He played in several bands and had a radio show with Joe Franklin on WMNC.

Ray is survived by his sisters, Nadean Whitley of Nashville, TN, Beatrice Denton (Preston) of Morganton, Nell Griffin (Dennis) of Morganton, and Carolyn Powell (Donnie) of Valdese; a number of nieces and nephews; and a sister-in-law, Irene Abernathy.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Abernathy was preceded in death by 2 brothers, Robert and Walter Abernathy; and 2 sisters, Elease Powell and Orene Abernathy.

The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m., Sunday, September 2, 2018 at Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center.  The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. in the Colonial Chapel of the funeral home with the Rev. George Crawford officiating.  Burial will follow in Zion Memorial United Methodist Church Cemetery with military honors provided by the NC National Guard.

Memorial contributions may be made to Zion Memorial United Methodist Church, 1595 Zion Road, Morganton, NC 28655.