Rex L Abernathy, age 88, of Rome passed away Wednesday, May 8, 2019, at Redmond Regional Medical Center. Mr. Abernathy was born February 2, 1931 in Gaylesville, Cherokee County, AL. He was the son of Joseph Elijah Abernathy and Della Bernice Lawson, both of Cherokee County, AL.
Mr. Abernathy was a graduate of Gaylesville High School where he met his future wife, Jo Ann Lewis. They were married on June 17, 1955, and they moved to Rome, GA that same year. Mr. Abernathy retired from General Electric Medium Transformer Company in 1991 after 36 years of service.
He was a member of Beech Creek United Methodist Church where he had served on many committees and enjoyed being a delegate to the annual North Georgia Conference for many years. Mr. Abernathy was a member of the Cherokee Lodge #66 F. & A.M. and the Shanklin-Attaway Post 5 American Legion. He was a member of the Yaarab Temple and the Rome Shrine Club.
Rex participated in the Korean War Veteran’s Association. He was a member of the University of Alabama Alumni Association. He was, also, a member of the Rome Chapter, National Society Sons of the American Revolution and the Georgia Branch, National Society Sons and Daughters of Pilgrims.
Mr. Abernathy served in the U. S. Army from 1951 to 1953 and fought in the Korean War with the 25th Infantry Division. He was honored in October 2014 to be the Honorary Team Captain for the Ft. Benning Doughboys during the 5th Annual Doughboy Bowl.
He received the game ball which was parachuted into the stadium by the Silver Wings. He played football with the 30th Infantry at Ft. Benning prior to being deployed to Korea in 1952.
Mr. Abernathy loved attending events that involved his children and his grandchildren. He, also, loved attending and watching Alabama football games. Mr. Abernathy was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Elijah Abernathy and Della Bernice Lawson Abernathy, brothers, William Guy, Elijah H. (H.E.), William Clinton, and Joseph Elijah Abernathy, Jr., and a sister, Hazel O’Dell Abernathy McCollum.
Mr. Abernathy is survived by his wife of 63 years, Jo Ann Lewis Abernathy; his daughter, Regina Abernathy Ragan and son-in-law, Dr. J. Eric Ragan, II; and his son, Cary Alan “Al” Abernathy. He is survived by his two grandchildren, Taylor Nicole Ragan and Joseph Lawson Ragan of Columbus, GA. He is, also survived by his sister-in-law, Mickie Stewart Abernathy, and brother-in-law, James Charles “Sonny” (Eloise) Lewis, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Korean War Veterans will serve as honorary pallbearers. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 11, 2019 at Beech Creek United Methodist Church Rev. Randy Robertson , officiating.
Interment with be at Myrtle Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 11, 2019 at Beech Creek United Methodist Church, 2972 Alabama Hwy. Rome, GA 30165.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Beech Creek United Methodist Church, the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association, or the Alzheimer’s Association. Please visit our website, www. goodshepherdfh.net to post Tributes.
Parnick Jennings, Sr.’s Good Shepherd Funeral Home has charge of arrangements.
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