Mr. Clegg Vernon Abernathy, 85, of Connelly Springs, passed away on Monday, August 7, 2023 at Amorem Hospice of Burke, following a period of declining health.
Vernon was born on January 21, 1938 in New Hanover County to the late Vance Clegg Abernathy and Hazel Icard Abernathy. He was veteran of the U.S. Air Force and was a retired electrician.
Survivors include his beloved wife, Shirley (Traci) Rogers Abernathy of the home, three children: Lorie Herman and husband Michael of Hudson, Bryan Rogers and wife Lisa of Hudson, and Brenda Owens of Morganton, two half brothers, Richard Farrow and wife Shirley, and Chris Connell and wife Shirley. Also surviving are five grandchildren: Nicholas Herman and wife Amber, Dylan Rogers and wife Zoey, Christian Gragg and husband Kyle, Brandon Rogers and wife Jodie, and Randy Owens, and 12 great-grandchildren: Laurel, Lilah, Nora, Jensen, Lanie, Addison, Emilia, Emma, Luke, John, Isiah and Josiah.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 12, 2023 at 2:00 P.M. in the Chapel of Heritage Funeral Service, with Rev. Daryl Triplett officiating. Interment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery in Connelly Springs.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, from 1:00 until 2:00 P.M. at Heritage Funeral Service in Valdese.
An online guestbook and obituary is available at www.herirtagefuneralservices.com
Heritage Funeral Service & Crematory of Valdese is assisting the Abernathy family.
I’m going to miss the stories we had returning from dialysis to home. See you in the fuiture Airman.
My deepest condolences to all of the family.
We send our heartfelt compassion and sympathy at the loss of this man who has always held my respect. Vernon was so good me and my brother Richard when were kids. A ‘role model’ prior to my understanding of the term. A real ‘bright spot’ in a dismal childhood. Vernon is directly responsible for me being a guitar player. He once invited me to join him and several other gentlemen, to play almost 3 hours of Bluegrass at a local business location. Plus, he let me use his vintage Martin D-35 guitar! It was a good day!
I have played ‘praise and worship’ music in the church for the last 27 years. To that I say, “Praise God and thank you Vernon!’. Now, we pray for those who will hold him in their hears forever, knowing that one day we will all be together. God rest his soul.
Our thoughts and prayers,
Chris and Shirley Connell