Gary Chad Abernathy

Gary Chad Abernathy, age 48, passed away on Tuesday, November 19, 2024. He was born in Gastonia, North Carolina on July 15, 1978, to Gary W. Abernathy and Gail Carpenter Abernathy.

Chad was a beacon of wisdom and a seeker of the divine. Born with an insatiable curiosity and a deep love for learning. Chad’s life was a testament to the transformative power of knowledge, faith, and compassion.

His academic journey began at Lees-McRae College, where he earned a degree in psychology, laying the foundation for a lifetime of intellectual and spiritual exploration. He continued his studies at the prestigious California Institute of Integral Studies, earning a master’s degree in East-West Psychology. Chad later achieved his Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) certification in California, allowing him to fulfill his calling to help others find meaning and healing in their lives. 

Chad found solace in poetry, philosophy, and books that nurtured both his mind and his soul. His relationship with God was profound and personal, infusing his interactions with others with an unparalleled sense of purpose and grace. 

Throughout his life, Chad had a way of drawing in people who didn’t even realize they needed his help, but they always walked away better for it. His compassion and tireless commitment to helping others were hallmarks of his character. He continuously strove to give more to those in need, even up to his final moments.

His legacy will endure through the countless lives he touched with his unwavering empathy and insight. He leaves behind a community of friends, family, and colleagues who will forever cherish his memory and strive to honor his example of boundless love and dedication.

Chad’s light will continue to shine in the hearts of all who knew him, reminding us to seek wisdom, embrace faith, and live lives of profound compassion for others. 

He is preceded in death by his aunts, and uncles, Jackie & Holland Smith, Harold Brown, Pat Carpenter Sellers, Jim Hahn, and Terry Ellis.

Along with his parents, those left to cherish his memories include his daughters, Grayson Comella Rowe, and Ashton Jaya Rowe; brother, Bradley Cole Abernathy; aunts and uncles, Joyce Ann Brown, Roy Sellers, Alice Carpenter, Dewey & Tina Carpenter, Randy Abernathy, Linda A. Hahn, Donna Abernathy Treadway & Mark, and Sandra A. Ellis. 

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at 2:00 pm at Sisk-Butler Funeral Home, 730 Gastonia Hwy., Bessemer City, NC 28016.

Sisk-Butler Funeral Home is honored to serve the Abernathy family.

To offer condolences, please visit www.siskbutler.com.