William "Bill" Shellum Abernathy Sr.

WILLIAM SHELLUM ABERNATHY SR. NEWTON – William Shellum Abernathy Sr. 94 of Newton passed away on December 5, 2017 at Catawba Regional Hospice in Newton. Born March 11, 1923 in Lincoln County, he was the son of the late Lee Alexander and Connie Cashion Abernathy. Bill was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church on Startown Road. He retired from Wayside Furniture as owner after 41 years. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Rena DeLacy Phifer Abernathy, Sisters, Anne Mabel Lucky, Pauline Edwards Williams, Jesse Belle Long, Helen Moss; and a brother, Roy Lee Abernathy. Survivors include a son, William S. Abernathy Jr. of San Antonio, TX; daughter, Jane Woodring of Newton; sister, Elsie Primm of Denver, NC; grandchildren, Kristy Sullivan and husband Tim, Donna Knight and husband Jerry, Amanda Murphy and husband Trevor, Ashley Petree and husband Andrew; great-grandchildren, Ava Sullivan, Ella Sullivan, Joscelyn Knight, and Carson Murphy. The Celebration of Life Service will be held on Thursday, December 7, 2017 11 AM at Catawba Funerals & Cremations with Pastor Ralph Kraft officiating. Burial will follow at Catawba Memorial Park. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 10 AM- 11 AM at the funeral home. Military honors provided by the US National Guard and Caldwell County Veterans Honor Guard. Condolences may be left at www.catawbamemorialpark.com. The Abernathy Family is under the care of Catawba Memorial Park, Funerals & Cremations.