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Larry Abernathy Obituary
Clemson, SC
The Honorable Mayor Larry William Abernathy, 64, of 1026 Keystone Lane died Saturday, February 11, 2012 at Greenville Memorial Hospital.
Born in Shelby, NC, he was a son of the late Paul Hicks and Madge Aline Mitcham Abernathy.
Mayor Abernathy served for a total of 32 years in city government for the City of Clemson having served for four years on council prior to being elected Mayor in 1984. During his tenure as mayor, both the City of Clemson and Clemson University have had significant growth and yet through his leadership, the city has maintained it's village quality as well as forged cooperation with Clemson University to help enrich the lives of both citizens and students alike. He was a 1969 graduate of Clemson University where he also earned his Master's Degree. He also served as Director of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission for both Oconee and Anderson Counties as well as being Visiting Professor of Counselor Education and Clinical/Mental Health in the College of Health Education and Human Development at Clemson University. He was a member of University Lutheran Church.
Surviving are his wife, Jo Ann Davis Abernathy of the home; daughter, Dana Simpson and husband, Tim of Clemson; son, Ben Abernathy and wife, Nicky of Atlanta, GA; and grandchildren, Blake Simpson, Tyler Simpson, Chase Abernathy and Cody Abernathy.
In addition to his parents he was predeceased by a brother, Danny Abernathy.
Memorial services will be 2 PM, Thursday at First Baptist Church of Clemson.
The family will receive friends following the service at the church.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to University Lutheran Church, 111 Sloan Street, Clemson, SC 29631, Clemson Community Care, P.O. Box 271, Clemson, SC 29633 or Clemson Free Clinic, P.O. Box 491, Clemson, SC 29633.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or at Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home, Central, SC.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Larry Abernathy
Debbie. Cameron.
February 7, 2020
After my mom. Died. Of suicide. I was referred. To him as my. Councilor. He was amazing. He did. At times. Talk about. Some. Experience he had with suicide. With. Friends.
He was always. Proud of his. Family. And. His. Motorcycle. And the once s year. Ride. I still use what he tought me.
February 23, 2012
May the peace of God be with you during your time of sorrow.
And may Mr Abenathy's legacy of service to others continue as an
example.
Philippians 4:6,7
Dianne Youngblood
February 16, 2012
I was so sad to hear of Larry's death. I had many opportunities to attend Larry's trainings when he was with the alcohol and drug commission. In fall of 2002 my daughter was a freshman at Clemson and having a difficulty transitioning to being away from home. I called Larry and he took the time to meet with her on a couple of occassions and helped her tremendously. God bless and the family will be in my thoughts and prayers as you deal with your loss. Dianne R. Younngblood, Elko, S.C.
Renee Gibson
February 16, 2012
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Buffy Campbell
February 16, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time. Mr. Abernathy was a great man.
Buffy, Craig and Savannah Campbell
victoria Hamilton
February 15, 2012
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
February 14, 2012
Dear Mrs. Abernathy and family,
My mother and myself would like to let you all know that you are in our thoughts and prayers at this time. We had a great respect for mr. Larry and he will be greatly missed in Clemson and all around . he was a great man. He always had a smile on his face and he knew how to make people smile even when they were hurting. My father had a great respect for him also. he comforted my mother after my fathers death and he will not be forgotten. Know that he touched many lives and he will not be forgotten. May God comfort you at this time . God Bless You All .
Stephanie and Mrs. Patricia Hoffstetter
Mary Ruth (Gregory)Blackstock
February 14, 2012
Jo Ann , May God comfort you and your family. I remember Larry and you at NA high school.
Patsy and Mickey Richards
February 14, 2012
Dear Ben Nicky Chase Cody and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Love Aunt Patsy and Uncle Mickey (Mass.)
February 14, 2012
To the family. Losing someone who has being a part of your life for so many years must be very difficult. May it help to ease the hurt you feel now to know that others care and are thinking of you at this sad time. With deepest sympathy. (Psalms 61:3)
February 14, 2012
Jo, Dana, Tim, Blake, Ty, Ben, Nicky, Chase, Cody and Nana ... our deepest
sympathies to you at this time. Larry
was an exceptional and loving person and a wonderful father-in-law to Nicky. May God bless you all with His love and comfort you with His loving arms.
Howard and Verna - Smyrna, GA
Mildred Broughton
February 14, 2012
Ours prayers and thoughts are with you during your time of loss. god will comfort you. Bridget Owens mother Mildred
February 14, 2012
Dear Jo Ann, Dana, Ben and family -
I first met Larry at Ben's wedding and right away he impressed me as being a person of exceptional humanity besides being so gracious and witty. Subsequent meetings confirmed my first impression and in reading the preceding messages, I see that he was indeed a special person whose life made a difference. His passing will leave a tremendous void in the lives of many. May God comfort the Abernathy family and friends and the acquaintances who had the privilege to have known him.
Beverley Fongsam Friedman (aunt of Nicola Abernathy).
Peggy Jones Story
February 13, 2012
Jo Ann my prayers and thoughts are with you and your family during this time. God is watching over you and protecting you with his love. He was just ready for Larry to come home to be with him. It's hard for us to accept these things when they happen, but in time we can see them more clearly. Believe me, I know. I will continue to pray for you and if you need a friend or someone to talk, just let me know and I'll be there for you. Your friend in Christ.
Bob & Nancy Brooks
February 13, 2012
Another Clemson Gentleman goes home to our Father! We are praying for the Abernathy family.
Winston McElveen
February 13, 2012
Although no contact in years, I have good memories of association with Larry in earlier days of the alcohol and drug abuse system and his positive contribution to our field.
Frank Hinson
February 13, 2012
We will always remember Larry for his kindness and generosity to our family during the illness and death of our son, Jeff Hinson. He was a great friend to many people and will greatly be missed. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
February 13, 2012
I'm so sorry for your loss. I hope that in time you all can find comfort in reading Ps 68:19,20 during this time of sorrow.
Dot Strawhorn
February 13, 2012
Jo Ann we were sorry to hear the news about Larry. We will be remembering you and your family in prayer. The Strawhorn family.
We love you all.
Richard Key
February 13, 2012
A great man will be greatly missed.
Jim Williams
February 13, 2012
Joann and family........I am sorry to learn of Larry's passing. He was a great guy even back in our high school days. He always had something kind to say and followed it up with that great smile he had. I know he will be greatly missed. Please accept my condolences. Jim (Jimmy) Williams from the class of '65.
Audra & Tom McPeak
February 13, 2012
What a great loss to the people of Clemson, but a great journey with God!
Rest in peace friend.
John(ny) Brown
February 13, 2012
God bless the Abernathy family at this time. Larry's friendship and council are of my most valued possessions in this journey.
Emily
February 13, 2012
You will be deeply missed, you were a friend, mentor, and teacher to all...you were a great man.
Patty (Morlino) Burnett
February 13, 2012
To the Abernathy Family,
I am so sorry about Larry. He gave my my first job and I thoroughly enjoyed working for him. All of you will be in my thoughts and prayers!
February 13, 2012
Larry....we rodes many miles together but now you are on a new journey. May you feel freedom from pain and the wind of the spirit as you rest in peace. Gene Copenhaver
l0/4 my friend...
Debbie Csmeron
February 13, 2012
I cant help but to be sad and happy at the same time.. Larry has a new body and in heaven now. When my mom died in 1998 Larry was very active in Anderson with Alchol and Drug abuse Commission. My mom committed suicide and I was told he was the best to help me with the grief process.. Many years later I stated to working for Archie Morgan at Crisis Ministrys and did a lots of referals Larry never turned someone down. He really helped me during my need of grief and later on as a co worker working for Mendal Health/ Thanks Larry you will be missed I can see you in Heaven on your motorcycle love to you and your family
February 13, 2012
May God be with all of your family at this time. You are in our hearts and prayers.
Gayle Kelly
February 12, 2012
may god bless you jo ann and your family in this time of sorrow. ed medlock of simpsonville sc
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