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David Abernathy Obituary
He was born April 20, 1935 in Catawba County to the late George Abernathy and Minnie Mohe Gilleland Abernathy Eades. David was an active member of Catawba Baptist Church where he had served as a Sunday School Teacher for many years. He also served as a Sunday School Director and Teacher as well as an ordained Deacon at Woodlawn Baptist Church previously. He worked in Education as a principal, teacher, and coach for 14 years at Bunker Hill High School where he started the football program and led the track, baseball, and basketball programs to a total record of 197-98-4. He was a former member of the Lions Club International and ASU Former Athletes Association. David was a talented athlete who was inducted into the ASU Athletic Hall of Fame in 1984 after his All-Carolinas Conference selection in 1956 and 1957 based on scoring 26.6 points average each basketball game. He was also inducted into the Reader's Digest National Man of The Year in 1972, Hall of Fame in 1988, and Catawba County Sports Hall of Fame in 2012. After retiring from the sales industry, he served on the planning board in Conover for 19 years, acting as the director for 14 years. With his wife, Nalda, he also started the D&N Travel Club for senior adults and logged over 65,000 miles in 43 states.
David was loved dearly by all who knew him for his big heart and quick wit. He was always happy to share his wisdom and his love for Jesus.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his step-father, Newell Eades; wife of 68 years, Nalda Smith Abernathy; son, David Abernathy Jr; and daughter, Jane Abernathy.
Those left to cherish his memory are;
Son: Bradley Abernathy and wife Dawn of Conover
Brother: James W. Eades of Raleigh
Sister: Joesphine Eades Kale and husband Kermit of Catawba
Daughter-in-Law: Nancy Abernathy of Hickory
Grandchildren: Holden Abernathy of Conover; Tanner Abernathy of Charlotte; Adam Abernathy and wife Shelby of Newton; and Lucas Simmons of Hickory
A service to celebrate David's life will be held on Tuesday July 8, 2025 at Woodlawn Baptist Church in Conover. Rev. Derek Jones will officiate. Receiving will be 1:30-2:45 p.m. with the service following at 3:00 p.m.
Memorials may be made to Catawba Baptist Church, 102 1st St NW, Catawba, NC 28609 or Carolina Caring, 3975 Robinson Rd, Newton, NC 28658
Condolences may be sent to the Abernathy Family at www.bennettfuneralservice.com
The Abernathy family is in the care of Bennett Funeral Service of Newton, 828-465-2111
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
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Sponsored by Bennett Funeral Service - Conover.
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Jo Simpkins Sloan
July 10, 2025
I went with David and Nalda on a couple of their trips with the seniors at Woodlawn. I loved the time I spent with them. I worked at DSS with Jane. I know the family reunion in Heaven was filled with endless laughter and joy. Praise God !
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Bennett Funeral Service - Conover502 1st Ave. S. P.O. Box 232, Conover, NC 28613
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