Dr. John Junior Abernathy Ph.D.

Dr. John Junior Abernathy Ph.D, passed away on Monday September 30, 2024 at his home.
Dr. Abernathy was born in Cherokee County South Carolina on September 6, 1937 to the late John Henry Abernathy and Edith Beatrice Cox.
In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his first wife of 63 years Carol Joyce Davis Abernathy and a sister Janie Adkins.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife Wilma Abernathy of the home; children and step-children Nonnie Abernathy of Thurmond, NC, Tamera and Darryl Wilson of Thurmond, NC, Zishia and Daniel Saldano of Jonesville, NC, John and Jamie Abernathy of Ennice, NC, Serena Childress of State Road NC, Debbie and Jerry Toler of Hazelhurst, GA, Robert and Kim Wright of Hilmar, CA, and Craig and Marcy Wright of Turlock, CA; sisters Josie and spouse Randy Davis of Rouzerville, PA and Viola Patterson of GA; thirty grandchildren; sixty four great-grandchildren; and seven great great-grandchildren.
Life highlights and accomplishments for Dr. Abernathy:
"Mill Hill" kid in Inman SC
Saved at age 8 because a Sunday School teacher knocked on his door.
Joined US Air Force at 17.
Met Carol Joyce Davis at his first duty station at Castle AFB in 1955.
They married 02/19/1956. He was not old enough to own a car or buy property. She was 21.
Left active duty approx. 1968. Joined Reserves until 1997.
Went to college while milking cows and working nights to support family.
Some jobs:
-Bee Broker
-Short Order Cook
-Gas Station Attendant
-Head of ROTC in San Diego State College
-Ironed his fellow Airmen's uniforms for a nickel
Degrees:
-Associate of Arts from Grossmont College 06/17/1967
-Bachelors of Arts-Social Sciences from Stanislaus State College 06/14/1969
-Master of Arts-Education from California State College, Stanislaus 05/28/1977
-Doctor of Philosophy from Union University 06/23/1978
Retired Master Sergeant USAF Reserves 09/06/1997
Lifetime Teaching Credential in California.
Ordained as a minister with Assemblies of God on 04/23/1980
Ordained Clinical Counselor by International Association of Clinical Counselors on 04/01/1982
Received a Commendation from the Senate of the California State Legislature by State Senator John Garamendi. Senate Rules Resolution No. 802 on 07/16/1980.
A recurring host of the TV show The 11th Hour out of Modesto, CA.
Head of Men's Ministries for the Northern California Nevada District of the Assemblies of God approximately 1981 to 1984.
Pastored 9 churches since entering the ministry.
Active in church ministry for over 50 years.
Superintendent of Education at Capital Christian Center and Southpointe Christian Center both in Sacramento, CA.
Chaplain for Sacramento County Sheriff's Office.
Chaplain for Hugh Chatham Memorial Hospital and Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center.
Director of Surry/Stokes Friends of Youth
Dean of Christian Education at Vintage Bible College in Winston-Salem, NC. (This was his last position before retiring.)
HIs last official position before full retirement was Senior Pastor of Faith Assembly of God in State Road, NC. God has allowed his man to retire and rest.
His legacy will live on through his children, grandchildren, and those he helped in the ministry.
A funeral service for Dr. Abernathy will be held on Saturday October 5, 2024 at 2pm at Faith Assembly of God in State Road with Randy Davis and Phil Patterson officiating. Burial with full military honors provided by the United States Air Force will follow in Hollywood Cemetery in Elkin. The family will receive friends from 1pm-2pm on Saturday at the church prior to the service.
Johnson Funeral Home of Elkin is respectfully serving the Abernathy family. Online condolences may be made at www.johnson-funeral.com.