John Alexander
Abernathy
May 4, 1928 - January 20, 2021
Johnny Abernathy, 92, passed away on January 20, 2021, following an extended illness. A celebration of his life will be held at Magnolia Church of Christ on Sunday, January 24, at 1:00. This service will be live streamed on the Magnolia Church Facebook page. A private burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Sheffield.
Mr. Abernathy was born May 4, 1928, in Nashville, TN. He and his first wife, Frances, owned and operated Abernathy Auto Parts in Sheffield. After Frances died, he married Patsy Pepper. They enjoyed working and serving others together for thirty- three years.
Johnny worshiped at the Magnolia Church of Christ in Florence. His love for this group of Christians was shown by serving many years as an elder for this congregation.
Johnny was a man of many talents. He could fix anything. In his younger years he built and raced dirt track cars. After marrying Patsy, they enjoyed taking trips in their RV, going on cruises, and they loved boating and bird watching on Blue Water Creek.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers from TN. Locally, Johnny, was pre-deceased by his first wife, Frances Hutton, his son, Johnny Abernathy Jr, his step-son-in-law, Charles W. Sims, and by an infant, step- great grandchild, Dakota Hill.
He is survived by his wife, Patsy, whom he adored, and his sister, Sarah Bell from McEwen, Tn. Also surviving are his stepchildren: Jan Sims, Judy LaCaze, Connie (Michael) Hill, Chris Pepper and Fred (Lynn) Pepper.
His step-grandchildren fondly called Johnny “Grandpaw”. They are Jenna (Daniel) Shepherd, Alan (Rachel) LaCaze, Caeden (Katie) Hill, Eva (Matt) Hill,, Josh (Jennifer) Pepper, Amanda Pepper, and Rachel Pepper. There are also eight step- great grandchildren.
In leu of flowers, donations can be given to the Magnolia Church of Christ Benevolence Committee or to Childhaven Orphans Home in Cullman, AL.
Condolences may be left at wfunerals.com
Funeral
January 21, 2021
1:00 pm
Magnolia Church of Christ. A private burial will follow the service.
Funeral
Magnolia Church of Christ, Vulcan Avenue, Florence, AL, USA
January 21, 2021 1:00 pm
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9 Comments on “John Alexander Abernathy”
We love and appreciate Johnny and Patsy. Condolences to the family.
Patsy and Family: We have many fond memories of John on our First Metro trips and events. He was a wonderful man. We extend our deepest sympathy.
Pats, my prayers and love are with you. I love you
Joy Willow
We knew Johnny and Frances for many years at Highland Park Church of Christ, as well as Johnny Jr. from Mars Hill.
They were well loved. Sorry to learn of his passing.
Condolences to Patsy and the entire family. I graduated with Jan. We’ve lived away from Alabama for 35 years now, but we will always have deep feelings for the people we know there. Prayers and hugs….
Patsy and Family,
I enjoyed the company of Johnny and family ever since I married his niece, Lora Leigh Abernathy. Always warm and friendly, quick to smile and share a story, it was a joy to share his loving companionship at family gatherings. I hope all find comfort in the many pleasant, cherished memories of time spent with Johnny and family.
Peace and warm condolences.
Lora Leigh and Steve Lape
Earl and Nita Roden Send our condolences. Earl bought a lot of parts from Johnny over 30 years. Johnny built motors and raced with Earl for a long time. We never saw Johnny mad or frustrated. Our Deepest sympathy go out to you and your family.
Johnny being size he was called Earl little man.
Sending healing thoughts your way.
Sincerely
Earl Nita Roden.
I will always have a special place in my heart for Johnny. He was my uncle for all of my childhood when he was married to my aunt, Frances (my mother’s sister). As a child in the 60’s and 70’s my parents and I would come down to Alabama from Nashville many times for various adventures. I remember them bringing their bulldog, “Rip”, for many years up to Nashville when they visited us (Frances’ mother and my family). Also, remember the many Christmas celebrations and he would always bring a a large box every Christmas full of nuts, candy and fresh fruit for everyone to munch on. Although through my adulthood I have rarely seen him, I did miss him and, of course, my aunt Frances. He was always a quiet, gentle man who loved the Lord.
I know he loved Patsy and his new family just as much and I am so happy he had a wonderful life and more adventures with his new family. I know everyone will miss him greatly.