OBITUARY
Donald Abernathy
March 8, 1961 – October 14, 2011
Donald E. Abernathy Mr. Abernathy, 50, of Charlotte, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on October 14, 2011 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born on March 8, 1961. Don was the son of Harold and Doris Abernathy. He had a strong voice and played the piano beautifully. A Wake Forest Alumni, he received a Bachelor of Science degree from the School of Business and Accounting, and most recently worked for Aramark as a CPA. Don was a diehard Demon Deacon fan and cheered them on at football games often. He loved cooking, recently took classes to expand his knowledge and enjoyed trying new recipes. Along with his wife, Cynthia, he learned to pair wine with food and grew their own herbs and vegetables to use in culinary adventures. Don’s granddaughter became the light of his life in April of 2010, he adoringly called her “his little girl” and would do anything to put a smile on her face. He was a selfless father, a strong husband, a determined man and a loving son, brother and friend. Don is survived by his beloved wife, Cynthia Abernathy; step-son, Andy Benton and future daughter-in-law, Jillian Madsen; and his precious granddaughter Elisa Benton. Don is also survived by his mother Doris Culp Abernathy; sister, Janet Coleman (Frank) and family and brother Paul Abernathy and family. Don was a loving uncle to several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Harold Abernathy. A service to celebrate his life will be held at 2 o’clock on Monday, October 17, 2011 at Sardis Presbyterian Church. The family will receive friends following the service at the church. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: The Humane Society of Charlotte, 2700 Toomey Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28203. Condolences may also be expressed at www.harryandbryantfuneralhome.com
Services
- Funeral Service Monday, October 17, 2011
REMEMBERING
Donald Abernathy
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RECEIVE UPDATESRoyallen Wiley
October 25, 2011
I was honored to have worked with Don in the Charlotte IMA Chapter. Professsionally, he helped place me in one of my job searches and I know he helped many others find the right job fit during his recruiting career. He was the consummate professional. I will miss Don's upbeat spirit and optimism. It was always uplifting to be around him. May God bless your family during this time of grieving.
S P
October 24, 2011
What a lovely tribute to such a kind gentleman. We are so sorry for your loss. Please know that the "God of all comfort" cares for you and your family in your time of sadness.
Marcia Vinci
October 20, 2011
The Charlotte Chapter of the IMA acknowledge with deep sorrow the passing of our dear friend and past president, Don. We extend our deepest sympathy to his wife, Cynthia, and their family.
pamela fearrington- berfet
October 19, 2011
Cynthia,
I was so sorry to learn of your Husband's passing. Reading the wonderful stories and looking at the Photo tribute it's very evident that he was a happy & loving person who knew that God blesses us so that we may be a blessing to others.
God is always faithful!
October 18, 2011
Dearest Cynthia,
This has brought such sadness to us when we heard about Don's passing. Such good, fun memories of him. He will alway be remembered and especially the joy he was to be around.
Our deepest sympathy.
Rose & Dave Bollard - Rock Hill, SC
Michele Caisse
October 18, 2011
Cynthia,
Sending you my heartfelt condolences. I am so very sorry to hear about the loss of your husband. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time.
Chong Park
October 18, 2011
Cynthia, sorry about your loss, he will be missed at the wine tastings.
Pam & Spergion Henry
October 17, 2011
Cynthia and family, we just heard of Don's passing and are so very sorry. We will keep you and yours in our prayers. God bless all of you.
October 17, 2011
Cynthia, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I know that he was a very special person to you and many others. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Donna Agee, Chesapeake, Va
October 17, 2011
Cynthia,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I know that he was a very special person. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Donna Agee
Lorraine Kruger
October 17, 2011
Cynthia, I am thinking of you and your family and I know what a terrible shock and loss this is for all of you. Don was a super gentleman and will be missed by all of us who had the good fortune to know him.
Lorraine
Lorraine Kruger
October 17, 2011
Cynthia, I am so saddened by Don's sudden death, and I know it is quite a shock to you and your family. He was a very special man and will be missed by all who knew him. My thoughts are with you all. Lorraine
Jeff Porter
October 17, 2011
We are so sorry to hear of Don's passing, what a wonderful man and coworker he will be missed. Our prayers are with his family during this time...
Dee Adereth
October 17, 2011
Cynthia, I was deeply saddened to hear of the loss of your husband, Don. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy and know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Andy Brasser
October 17, 2011
Cynthia,
So sorry to just hear of your husband's passing. Steve Rupp and I will keep you and your family in our prayers. Andy Brasser
Sandi Poole
October 17, 2011
Cynthia, So sorry to hear of your loss. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Alice Ligon
October 17, 2011
Cynthia,
I am sorry for your loss and remember the fond memories you have of him. It will help the healing.
All my love, Alice Ligon
Claudia Clark
October 17, 2011
Cynthia, please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Jeff Kornegay
October 17, 2011
I am so sorry to hear about Don's passing. Although we had not stayed in touch the last few years I am glad to hear about his happiness from his granddaughter! Don was a great co-worker who taught me a lot about being a recruiter including how to help people (both clients and candidates) and to do the right thing! Absolutely an honorable and classy guy.
Sherry Thomas
October 17, 2011
Cynthia, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Brenda Howard
October 17, 2011
Cynthia, I am so very sorry to hear about Don's passing. Please know that we are praying for you and your family during this very difficult time. We are here for you if there is anything at all we can do!
Therese Duvall
October 17, 2011
Cynthia, Please accept my sympathy. You're in my thoughts.
Terri Jacobsen
October 17, 2011
Cynthia I am so sorry for your loss. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
Terri Jacobsen
Larry Walser
October 17, 2011
Cynthia hang in there anything I can do please let me know you will be in Carmen and my prayers.
Marilyn Nastiuk
October 17, 2011
Cynthia, so sorry to hear of your loss. Don was a great boss and mentor - he helped me in ways I am still figuring out today! He loved you and his family so much. Our prayers are with you!
Lynn Armstrong
October 17, 2011
To Mrs. Abernathy and family. I'm so sorry to hear about Don's passsing. He has a great boss to work for. You guys are in my payers. Please take care and may God bless each one of you.
October 17, 2011
Mrs. Abernathy our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Don was a great person and a wonderful boss. He will be missed by many. Angela Brice-Greene & Family
October 17, 2011
Cynthia, I am sorry for your loss. We never know what to say at this difficult time. I wanted to let you know you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Norma Wilkins
JIM PERKINS
October 17, 2011
Cynthia; I just want to let you know that I am thinking of you and your family during what I know to be a very trying and difficult time. I didn't know Don however I am sure that he was a terrific husband, father and grandfather. I encourage you to stay strong. Your friends and associates are here for you. May God Bless and Keep You and Yours..JIM PERKINS
Richard Taylor
October 17, 2011
Cynthia, Julie and I send our heartfelt condolences. May God bless you and bring comfort to you and your family.
John Lamkin
October 17, 2011
Cynthia, I was very sorry to hear about Don's passing. You and your family will be in my prayers.
Maria Cestari
October 17, 2011
So very sorry for your loss Cynthia. Keeping you and your family in my prayers.
Angela Bauldree
October 17, 2011
I am so sorry for the loss of day. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. Don was a wonderful friend to the Charlotte Chapter of Institute of Management Accountants. He will be deeply missed.
Lu-Anne Troutman
October 17, 2011
Cynthia and Family,
My prayers are with you at this time. Cynthia you were the love of his life. He always brighten up when he spoke of you. He will be missed. I worked for him up till last March. May you and your family find comfort knowing he loved his family. May God be with you all.
Lyn Plemmons
October 17, 2011
Cynthia and family-
My heart aches for all of you as you mourn Don.
I met Don almost 20 years ago through IMA. He was a man of intelligence and integrity and was a loyal and faithful friend to me. I teased him about being a closet politician because of his way of spinning a bad situation into a positive, even if he all he came up with was that it was a "learning opportunity".
These last few years were challenging for him I know, yet he stayed in touch with me to offer his unique way of looking at what life throws at us.
All of you are in my prayers as you walk this new path.
Rest in peace, my friend. Until we meet again.
October 16, 2011
Cynthia,
I am at a loss for words to express my sadness in Don's passing. You are both very special to me and I will always treasure the memories of all things we shared as foodies and lovers of wine.
My heart breaks for you and your family. I will pray for you and be here in friendship always.
I would like to drop off dinner tomorrow or Tuesday for you, Andy, Jillian and Elisa.
Love,
Jill Aker-Ray
Julie Cubeta
October 16, 2011
To Mrs. Abernathy, Janet and Paul,
So sorry to see that Donnie has passed. I still remember him as the little guy with big glasses - Janet's little brother - at St. Paul's Presbyterian. My thoughts and prayers are with you -
Julie Haigler Cubeta
Andy Breen
October 16, 2011
I am deeply saddened to hear of Don's passing. Although I only met Don in 2011, we carpooled one another to work at Aramark. Here was a man on dialysis making it more convenient for a man with Parkinson's to earn a living. So, I didn't need to know Don very long to know what a wonderful person he was, but feel the loss out of proportion to the time I was privileged to know him.
October 16, 2011
Cynthia,
I am so sorry to hear about Don. He was a wonderful boss (a couple of times) and will be missed. I know he loved you and his family. My prayers are with you.
Pam Wilson
October 15, 2011
We are deeply saddened about Don's passing. I remember us sitting in dialysis together talking about Wake Forest (his team)with him. He also loved watching the Atlanta Braves. He also spoke of his grandchild often. We will miss him dearly. God Bless the family, and Mrs.Abernathy.
Love,
Rusty & Heaven Seay
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IN THE CARE OF