Frank Abernathy, age 84, entered into rest February 15, 2012 at home. Frank was born January 30, 1928 in Okmulgee, OK., to the late Fred Valle and Laura De Vilbiss Abernathy. He was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Mildred “Mickey” Lowrey Abernathy whom he married on May 17, 1952. Frank was also preceded in death by his brother Fred Robert Abernathy and Fred’s wife, Emily Jean Reeves Abernathy. Frank graduated from Oklahoma A&M (now Oklahoma State University) in 1950 with a degree in Chemical Engineering. While at OSU, he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity and the Phi Lambda Upsilon honorary chemical society. Frank began working for Tennessee Eastman Company in 1950 in the yarn plant and also worked in chemical sales and market research. He and his wife Mickey were adult advisors for Sing Out Kingsport in the 1970’s and 80’s and Frank worked with Kingsport Junior Achievement. He retired from ECPI in 1986 after 37 years of service. After his retirement he taught a “55 Alive” driving class for Seniors. Frank was a member of Colonial Heights Presbyterian Church for 46 years where he was very active and served as a Deacon, taught Sunday School, and was a youth leader. Through the church he was a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity. He was an avid golfer and tennis player. He and Mickey loved to travel and enjoyed taking cruises and visited all 50 states. Survivors include his children, Beth Mitchell and husband, Gary of Kingston, Don Abernathy and wife Valerie of Kingsport, Carol Jennings and husband Jeff of Gray, and John Abernathy of Providence, RI.; grandchildren, Vicki Lawson and husband Greg of Fall Branch, Greg Mitchell of Columbus, MS., and Dustin and Rachael Jennings of Gray; brother, John Abernathy and wife Virginia of Tulsa, OK.; several nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends from Noon until 2:00 p.m. Saturday, February 18, 2012 at Colonial Heights Presbyterian Church, with funeral services at 2:00 p.m. Burial will follow at East Lawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Colonial Heights Presbyterian Church Organ Fund or Habitat for Humanity.
East Lawn Funeral Home is honored to serve the Abernathy family; you may leave a condolence for the family at www.eastlawnkingsport.com - Arrangements under the direction of East Lawn Funeral Home, Kingsport, TN.
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