William Fred "Bill" Abernathy Jr.

William “Bill” Fred Abernathy, Jr., age 68, passed away Friday, February 8, 2019 at his home in Rappahannock County. Bill was born September 27, 1950 to William Fred Abernathy, Sr. and Frances Cornell in Middleburg, Virginia. His early years were spent in Fauquier County but his family later moved to Culpeper where he graduated from Culpeper County High School. He attended Roanoke Business College and was a veteran of the United States Navy, where he served as a medic. Upon discharge he traveled the United States extensively working in a variety of industries, but his heart belonged in Virginia near his beloved Blue Ridge Mountains. He resided near Old Rag Mountain in a home that he and his family built by themselves. Bill was passionate about many things, promoting peace, tolerance, and diversity by how he lived and treated others. He stood for loving one another and for giving everyone the space they needed to be their authentic selves. Surrounded by the beauty of the mountains, he devoted his life to his family, his friends, and the many animals that became like family to him. His musical talents were acknowledged throughout the area where he played with numerous bands, the most well-known being THE O.K.’s. He was an extremely gifted artist who had the ability to play most any instrument; but he most enjoyed playing his drums and guitars. His happiest moments were spent writing music and singing with his daughters. Bill is survived by his wife of thirty-one years, Ann “Sandy” Liebel and their daughters, Kiaya and Lhani Abernathy; sister, Carolyn Johnson and her husband Ron of Reva, Va.; nephews Brad Johnson and his wife Victoria of Leesburg, Va. and Blake Johnson and his wife Jane of Culpeper, Va.; adoring grandnephew and grandniece, Ethan and Nell Johnson also of Culpeper. He is also survived by a large number of loving extended family and close friends scattered throughout the United States and abroad. A celebration of Bill’s life will be held at a later date to be determined. The Clore-English website will be updated when this date is confirmed. Please share fond memories, stories, and condolences with Bill’s family through clore-english.com website. The Abernathy family has entrusted Clore-English Funeral Home with arrangements.