OBITUARY
George R. Abernathy
March 10, 1939 – January 30, 2012
George R. Abernathy, age 72, of Louisville, passed away Monday morning at Meadowview Health and Rehabilitation Center.
He was born March 10, 1939 in Henderson, Kentucky, the son of Andrew Maurice and Juanita Rose Gaisser Abernathy.
He was a basketball coach first and foremost, as well as being a teacher. He had a passion and a drive for coaching, which was evidenced by his dedication to his team and players. In his spare time, George enjoyed golf and spending time with his grandchildren.
He leaves to cherish his memory, two daughters, Melissa Abernathy and Katrina Lashley (Chris); four grandchildren, Kylie Abernathy, Jaxon, Jordyn and Jozie Lashley.
The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to the staff at Meadowview Health and Rehab for the wonderful care they provided to George.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be conducted at 6:00 PM on Thursday, February 2, 2012 in the Chapel of Arch L. Heady and Son at Westport Village, 7410 Westport Road. Visitation will be from 3:00 PM until the time of the service on Thursday at the funeral home.
Expressions of sympathy may be directed to American Lung Association.
Services
- Visitation Thursday, February 2, 2012
- Celebration of Life Memorial Service Thursday, February 2, 2012
REMEMBERING
George R. Abernathy
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RECEIVE UPDATESBarbara Ann Hoffman Field
March 28, 2012
I just learned today of the death of "Butch." He was a classmate of mine at Holy Name grade and high school in Henderson, Kentucky, and a special friend in those years. He always had a crinkly grin, was full of fun, was kind, and a great friend to all. He literally got up from his sick bed to come to our 50th high school reunion. I will never forget him.
steve mohon
March 3, 2012
Great coach and Great man.I had the pleasure to play for him in 86 as a freshman, and will never forget him:(
Mike Lane
February 7, 2012
Coach A was always fun to be around, even when he was "mad" at you. My thoughts and prayers go out to you family.
February 7, 2012
My condolences to you and your family. May you find comfort from God during this difficult time.
February 4, 2012
We have been friends for 65 years from the 1st grade. We played together, went to grade school together & attended the same college. I coached against him at the jr & senior level. He was in my wedding & I was best man in his. Of all the people in this world, no one could get you to laugh quicker them him. I will miss him greatly. Bob Martin
February 4, 2012
I had a great time being George's assistant at Fern Creek High School. I learned so much from him. He was a student of the game and a fine coach and teacher. The one word that comes to my mind when I think of George is the word fun. He was loads of fun and always teasing but never being cruel with it. I will always remember him and I am thankful for the opportunity to help him teach the game of Basketball.
Phil Chaney
February 4, 2012
I remember Mr. Abernathy from Fern Creek High School. He had an exceptional sense of humor, was a great teacher and coach. Praying God's peace and comfort to his family during this difficult time.
Nancy Jones Holmes
Class of '78-FCHS
Tracy Caswell
February 4, 2012
Coach was a good man and will be missed. R.I.P. Prayers to the family.
Eric Robinson
February 3, 2012
Sad to hear about coach A. Will always remember his sense of humor. Thanks for being a coach. Many things i learned from him at practice i use today teaching my 3rd & 4th grade boys team and my kids. His knowledge will travel on thru me and my kids and grandchildren. GOD bless and thank you coach. FCHS '87
Denise Marks
February 3, 2012
Mr. Abernathy will truely be missed. He inspired so many students at Fern Creek. He gave us knowledge, laughs and the desire to learn and have fun. Thank you Mr. Abernathy. I am so sorry for the family's loss. May God Bless you all.
Lee Louden
February 2, 2012
Coach A will be missed. He was my basketball coach for 2 years at Henry County High School. This is so sad. Coach was a great person. Will miss you.
Lee Louden Henry Co. High School KY 2000-2001
Melissa Owen Box
February 2, 2012
Will always remember the laughs and learning from Mr. A. Prayers for the family. God bless. Class of '78
February 2, 2012
To George's family-George was a great friend and coach. I'll never forget all the good times we had at the "Creek". May God Bless you. George will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of healing.
Coach Wally Oyler
Mary Sue Weakley
February 2, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time.
Patricia Coltrain
February 2, 2012
he was A good teacher i remember always
Della Pearson Rankin "78"
February 2, 2012
My Condolence to the Abernathy Family.
May God Bless you with Strength and Comfort during this difficult time of grief.
john marshall
February 1, 2012
We lost a great man this week. In a society where we don't always understand the word "Hero" ---Coach "A" was a hero. He stepped into my life as a bigger than life personality in the late 1970's. As an assistant coach at FCHS he coached ,coaxed, yelled and made us laugh our way to success. In 1979, after Coach Hardin took the reins at Fairdale, Coach Abernathy saved our senior year by stepping in and leading us to a winning season 15-9 in the toughest region in Kentucky basketball. More state champions have come from the 7th region than any other. We started no one over 6'2" and beat the team that went to the sweet 16 from the year before (Ahrens"78), the year of (Westport '79), and the state champ runner-up the next year (Doss '80). Thank-you Coach for your caring, knowledge , and dedication to our team.
As a junior I did not line up properly on a freethrow at the end of the 1st half at the old Durrett high school. As a result, a half court shot was hit that I might have prevented. Coach "A" , face red Bobby Knighted me across the court , down several flights of stairs and into the visitors locker-room. To this day, through my high school career and as an NAIA academic all-american in four years of college , I have not forgotten that lessen. I have never lined up wrong since. Attention to detail a lessen well learned and one I continue to use off the court in my job.
Travel safely my friend, my hero, you will be missed but you have taught many and we will carry on for you. I am still a practicing physician, but I look forward each week to coaching my sons and their friends in basketball. You can bet I have passed on what you taught me. Take it easy on the angels up their ,remember they think they are perfect --I bet you can make them better!
My condolences to your daughters and grandchildren. I hope this note lets them know what a wonderful man you are and how much you will be missed.
Tigers '79 basketball
CAS
February 1, 2012
So sorry for your families loss. FCHS "82"
February 1, 2012
I am sorry for your loss. Coach A was an important part of our Fern Creek family.
Wanda Isaac Hall, Class of '81
Rebekah Fryer-Williams
February 1, 2012
I'm so sorry to hear of the passing of my friend Butch. He was a light at HHS and was surprised to see him at FCHS. He truly will be missed.
Billy Warner
February 1, 2012
RIP Coach, us Old Creekers will miss you
Carey Miller
February 1, 2012
These are wonderful pictures Katrina. Thanks for sharing them. Keeping you all in my prayers.
February 1, 2012
Coach A,
Words can't even express my sincere appreciation for all you did for me. I can still hear you screaming,"GROG", over 25 years later. You got me in school, and came and supported me from day one, when I started in the car business. My heart is so very heavy right now, I've been looking for you for over a year. All along you were less than 5 minutes away. Thanks for EVERYTHING COACH A, I'll never ever forget you. Thanks for pushing me further than I could have ever gone on my own.
Robert McAlmont Jr. FCHS 84
St. Matthews, Ky
Carla Breeding
February 1, 2012
I am so sorry to hear about your father's passing. You will all be in our hearts and prayers in the difficult days ahead. The wonderful photos that you have posted tell a sweet story of his life.
Peace,
Diane Vogt-Day
February 1, 2012
So sorry to hear of Mr. Abernathy 's passing. He was always one for my favorite teachers @ Fern Creek High "77". His family will be in my prayers.
February 1, 2012
Coach Abernathy had a great sense of humor. He was a great teacher and mentor. He was one of those teachers and coaches you never forget. he will be missed by many, my thoughts and prayers are with his family. Kevin Huber FCHS 82
Chris "Bucky" Stevens
February 1, 2012
My condolences
Fern Creek High School "73"
Tina Foley
February 1, 2012
Coach A made a difference with his time and dedication to kids that weren't his own.I loved him as an ump and even more as a teacher and coach he made school fun..Peace be with his family during this time...Tina Potts-Foley, FCHS '86
Corey Simpson
February 1, 2012
Katrina. So sorry to hear about your Father.
February 1, 2012
To the Abernathy family:
Seek God for comfort during this dufficult time, for He is the "Hearer of prayer". (Psalms 65:2)
Joe Buckley
February 1, 2012
Coach,
Thank you for the many lessons you taught and shared. May your family have Peace during this difficult time.
Joe '85
Monica Taylor
February 1, 2012
My Green Bean will be dearly missed. Mr. Abernathy was one of the absolute BEST. He always managed to keep a smile on my face even when it was hard for him to smile. God Bless him and his family. I will forever be grateful for the chance at knowing him. He was a very genuine person.
Dotti & John Thomas
January 31, 2012
Each of your family members is in our prayers and in our thoughts.