George Sutton Abernathy, Jr., 81, of Hickory, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, July 27, 2026, following a period of declining health.

George was born October 29, 1944, in Cleveland County, a son of the late George Sutton Abernathy, Sr., and Mary Carswell Abernathy.

He is preceded in passing by his siblings, Thelma Teague (Ray), Jack Abernathy (Susie), Gin Dowell (Benny), and Don Abernathy; a sister-in-law, Nell Abernathy; and a brother-in-law, Johnny Bolden.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Linda Abernathy, and three children, George Abernathy (Andrea), Sandra Drayer (Jeff), Amanda Arney (Derek). Also surviving are seven grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, one brother Neil Abernathy, and two sisters, Linda Young (Steve) and Carolyn Bolden.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, July 31, 2026, at 11:00 A.M. at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church on Miller Bridge Road with Pastor Curtis Carroll officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends on Friday, from 10:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M. at the church.

Heritage Funeral Service & Crematory is assisting the family.