Ernest White Abernathy Jr

In Loving Memory of
Dr. Ernest White Abernathy, Jr.
1933-2026


Dr. Ernest White Abernathy Jr. passed away peacefully on January 8, 2026 at the age of 92. He leaves behind a life defined by intellect, perseverance, service, and deep compassion for others. His journey reflected uncommon breadth and an enduring commitment to caring for people from every walk of life.

Long before becoming a physician, Ernest, known to many as Ernie, lived and worked alongside the people he would one day serve. He supported himself through a wide range of blue-collar jobs and military service, experiences that shaped the humility, discipline and empathy that guided his lifelong medical practice.

Upon graduating from Marietta High School, he earned a basketball scholarship to Kentucky Wesleyan College. He chose to pursue medicine and completed his undergraduate studies in chemistry, despite the college not having a chemistry program at the time. Through determination and persuasion, he helped bring that program into existence. Years later, after establishing his medical career, he gave back to the institution through donations and by creating a chemistry scholarship awarded annually to two students.

He went on to earn his medical degree from Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta. His medical training included an internship at Johns Hopkins University and surgical residencies at Charity Hospital in New Orleans and Southern Pacific Hospital in San Francisco, preparing him for a career marked by skill, steadiness and compassion.

After many years of service in the Army Reserve, Dr. Abernathy was commissioned as a Captain in the United States Army. He served as a combat surgeon with the 82nd Airborne Division in the Dominican Republic, where he was awarded the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal and the Bronze Star for his distinguished service.

Following his military service, Dr. Abernathy established his medical practice in Jonesboro, Georgia. Over the course of his career, he performed over 7,000 surgeries while maintaining a busy office serving the community of Jonesboro. Through these countless encounters, he witnessed the full range of human experience and carried the stories of his patients with quiet respect.

In the final decade of his life, Ernie shared deep companionship and affection with Barbara Keirn, who brought joy, steadiness, and partnership to his later years. Their relationship was marked by mutual respect, shared experiences, and enduring love.

Beyond medicine, Ernie was a lifelong learner, traveler, conservationist, philanthropist, and artist. His curiosity led him across mountains, deserts, swamps, and the Arctic. A devoted painter, draftsman, writer, and storyteller, he found great joy in creating and sharing his artwork and books with family, friends, acquaintances, and the broader community. His creative spirit and deep appreciation for the world around him were evident in all he made.

Dr. Abernathy is survived by his sons, Scott (Bonnie) Abernathy, Jeff (Laura) Abernathy and Ernest Abernathy III and his stepchildren, Shelby Stone and Scott Sherard. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Jarrod and Lauren Abernathy; Ava and William Stone; and Madison, Joshua, and Reagan Sherard. He is further survived by his brother, Russell (Chryl) Abernathy, his beloved nieces Shana, Mandy and Lynda, and nephews Terrell and Tim. He is also survived by his companion, Barbara Keirn.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Mary Florence Abernathy, and his brother, Terrell "Ted" Abernathy.

Dr. Ernie Abernathy lived a life of purpose, curiosity, and service. He will be remembered with deep respect, gratitude, and affection by all who knew him and by the countless lives he touched through his work, his art, and his humanity.

Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation for Dr. Abernathy on Thursday, January 22, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at McDonald & Son Funeral Home, 150 Sawnee Drive, Cumming, Georgia.

A funeral procession will depart at 12:30 p.m. for a committal service with Military Funeral Honors, provided by the United States Army, for Captain Ernest White Abernathy Jr. at 2:00 p.m. at Georgia National Cemetery, 1080 Scott Hudgens Drive, Canton, Georgia 30114.

The family requests that attendees arrive at the cemetery by 1:30 p.m. (if not attending the visitation or funeral procession) to ensure seating at the committal shelter and the opportunity to witness the honors. Please check with McDonald & Son Funeral Home for specific arrival and parking instructions.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites those who wish to honor Dr. Abernathy's memory to consider a donation to a meaningful charity of their choice that supports medical research.