Thomas Elton Abernathy - Spry Funeral Home

Thomas Elton Abernathy passed from this life Saturday, January 18, at Athens Limestone Hospital. He was 97 years old. He was born March 5, 1927 to Herbert and Bera Abernathy in Limestone County. He was preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife of 57 years Margarete Lowery Abernathy. Brothers,Edwin and Ellis, and a sister Betty.

He is survived by his wife Naomi Phillips Abernathy. Son Thomas E. (Tommy) Abernathy Jr. and Wife Jamiee. Daughter, Jennifer Brown Pitts and Husband Rodger. Step Sons, Danny (Ruby) Phillips. Roger (Kay) Phillips. Step Daughters, Jennifer (Joe) Ruf. Melissa (Anthony) Zirbel. Grandsons, Cale Abernathy, Joshua (Sakura) Abernathy. Granddaughters, Brittany Brown (Jacob) Givens, Mirana (John) Maher and Jessica (Clint) Britton. Sisters, Katherine Bowers, Margaret Smith, Patricia Simmons and Brother Wesley Abernathy. Three Great Grandsons and five Great Granddaughters.

Mr. Abernathy joined the Navy at 18 years old in 1945, just after the surrender of Japan, and served on a destroyer for four years in the Pacific. He was called back by the Navy for one and a half years during the Korean War where he served on an ammunition ship. He spent thirty plus years as meat market manager at L&S Super Market in Athens, known to many of his customers and friends as "Ab". After retirement from L&S, he worked in security at Brown-Teledyne for several years. He loved being outside with yard work, and even had several yards in the neighborhood that he took care of well into his late 80's, and this gave him opportunity to spend time with his Grandsons, as well. His faith led him to serve for many years as an Elder at Sardis Springs Church of Christ.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donation be made to the Athens Veterans Museum.

Services will be 1 pm Thursday in the chapel of Spry Funeral Home with Eddie Littrell and Carl Witty officiating, burial to follow in Roselawn Cemetery with full military honors.

Visitation will be Thursday from 11 am until service at the funeral home.

Pallbearers will be, Cale Abernathy, Josh Abernathy, Clint Britton, Grant Britton, Jacob Givens and Tracy Lowery.