Dateline: Bakersville, NC

Pat Abernathy, age 76 of Hwy 226 South, Bakersville, NC passed away June 17, 2012 at his home. Pat was a native of Mitchell County, NC and the son of the late Earl and Quinnie Burleson Abernathy. He was retired from The United States Air Force and Henredon Furniture Company. Pat was a member of Bear Creek Baptist Church, a Lifetime member of  the V.F.W., and also a member of The National Rifle Association.

Pat Abernathy joined The United States Air Force in 1953 and served until his honorable discharge in 1965 as a Master Sergeant Abernathy distinguished himself as an Aerial Flight Combat Documentary Photographer.

During his years of service he was a recipient of three Air Medal Awards (Oak Clusters) for meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight during combat.

He was an enthusiastic and devoted  member of Bear Creek Baptist Church. He enjoyed his grandchildren, gardening, and fox hunting.

Survivors include his wife Melba D. Abernathy, of the home, daughter Peggy Peters and husband Chris, of Johnson City, TN, sons Danny Duncan and wife Allison, of  Spruce Pine, NC, Dean Duncan, and wife Karen, of Bakersville, NC, Charles Earl Abernathy, of California, two sisters Laura Yelton, of Bakersville, NC, and Rosa Lee Smith, of Spruce Pine, NC, one brother in law Homer Lee Huskins, and one sister in law Nina Abernathy, three grandchildren Cooper Adkins, Caitlin and Keely Duncan.

He was preceded in death by one sister Beulah Huskins, and a brother Charlie Abernathy.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, June 19, 2012 at 3:00PM in Bear Creek Baptist Church with Chris Rathbone officiating. The family will receive friends two hours prior to the service at the church. Interment will follow in Bear Creek Baptist Church Cemetery. In Lieu of Flowers memorials may be made to Youth Department Bear Creek Baptist Church c/o Linda Duncan.

Henline – Hughes Funeral Home is assisting the Abernathy Family.