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Bill Abernathy, Pastor

By February 27, 2015March 2nd, 2015No Comments

COLUMBUS, Ohio—William E. Abernathy Sr., a longtime pastor, died on Feb. 26, just four days after his wife, Shirley, died. He was 89. On the day of his death, the Abernathy family was already gathered in Columbus to receive guests at Shirley’s visitation. The Abernathy family is rejoicing that their dad and mom are reunited in Glory after a very brief time apart.

Bill was serving with the U.S. Navy on Staten Island when he met Shirley. They married on July 20, 1946. He became pastor of Jones Memorial Methodist Church, Mooresville, North Carolina; Pennside Community Chapel, New Castle, Delaware; First Baptist Church, Newfield, New Jersey; and Immanuel Baptist Church, Columbus, Ohio.

He was preceded in death by his wife on Feb. 22, newborn twin sons, and a great-granddaughter.

He is survived by three children, Betty Allen, Joy Bodenmiller, and Bill Abernathy Jr., pastor of Berean Baptist Church, Portage, Michigan; 10 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.

A memorial service for Bill will take place on Friday, March 6 at Immanuel Baptist Church, Columbus, Ohio. Visitation will begin at 1:00; the service will begin at 2:00.