DR. F. LINFORD ABERNATHY
Dr. F. Linford Abernathy passed away Friday, May 18, 2007 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Atlanta, GA after a two year valiant fight with cancer. He was 68. Born April 25, 1939 in Cherokee County, he was the son of Illma Dyer Abernathy and the late Forest (Frosty) Abernathy.
Along with his mother, Dr. Abernathy is survived by his wife of 48 years, Ginger DeWeese Abernathy; daughter and son-in-law, April and William (Bill) H. Harper, III of Murphy; a son, Wynn Anthony Abernathy of Cleveland, GA; three grandchildren, Emma Abernathy, and Matthew and Isabella Harper; and an aunt, Jean Dyer Burch of Rabun Gap, GA.
Dr. Abernathy graduated from Andrews High School in 1956, Young Harris College in 1958, and received his degree in Optometry from the Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, TN in 1962. After his graduation in 1962, Dr. Abernathy returned to Murphy and opened his practice over Mauney’s Drug Store. In 1977, he moved into his own building on Hiawassee Street where he practiced until his retirement last year. He was a member of the American Optometric Association, NC Optometric Association, and Nantahala District Optometric Association.
His love of his community was shown through his participation in civic organizations such as Jaycees and the Rotary Club. Dr. Abernathy was presently serving as Chairman of the Mountain Home Nursing Service. He had previously served two terms on the Murphy Board of Health and the Andrews Murphy Airport Authority. In the past he had been an accomplished pilot and had owned his own plane. His other passion was classic and antique cars. He was an active member of the Good Neighbors Auto Club.
Dr. Abernathy loved his family, his loyal patients, gardening, hunting in South Dakota, attending the Antique and Classic Car shows, talking and listening with friends, and caring for his pets. He had five dogs at home and had even tolerated an office cat for the past few years..
Services will be held at the First Baptist Church of Murphy where he was a member. The family will receive friends on Tuesday (May 22) from 4 until 6:45. The funeral will follow the visitation and will begin at 7:00 PM. The interment will be on Wednesday (May 23) at 1:00 PM in the Moss Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Charles McHan, Charles West, Bob Hendricks, Cal Stiles, Maurice Sherrill, and Virgil Gibson. Honorary pallbearers include Harry Burgess, Don Hughes, Rev. Garth Cooke, Sam Davis, Kenneth Lance, Glen Barnett, and Willard Allen.
Dr. Abernathy was a man of honor and character. He is deeply loved by his family, employees, friends, and patients. He will be remembered for the friendship that he extended to everyone.
Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy in of all arrangements.
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