George L. Abernathy

Mr. George L. Abernathy, 76, of Dalton, went home to be with his father God, who has blessed him all the days of his life.

He was born in Whitfield County, July 16, 1929, son of the late William J. and Nola Gibson Abernathy and was preceded in death by his brothers, Lee Abernathy and Carl Abernathy; sister, Annie Neighbors and his mother-in-law, Ruby Williams.

He served four years in the U.S. Air Force as a jet mechanic during the Korean Conflict and was an active member of the American Legion Post 112 and was a member of the honor guard.

George was an active member of the Central Church of Christ for more than 46 years, where he served as an elder, ministry leader and as a deacon. He was a part-time minister, serving churches of Christ in North Georgia in the '60s and '70s, including full time at Hillcrest in Tunnel Hill. He was employed with L.A. Lee Co., Brown Printing Co., and Gregory Printing Co. for more than 50 years. In retirement he worked with Hampton Inn in Dalton as a hospitality associate and served 24 years as a Red Cross volunteer with Hamilton Medical Center. He loved people with a passion and loved serving and being with them.

George is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Yvonne Williams Abernathy of Dalton; son and daughter-in-law, Shane and Ann Abernathy of Dalton; daughter and son-in-law, Susan and Ron Ralston of Calhoun; grandchildren, Samuel Murphree of Nashville, Tenn., Benjamin Ralston, Hannah Rose Ralston and Daniel Ralston, all of Calhoun, Matthew Abernathy and Lee Abernathy, both of Dalton; brother, Frank Abernathy of Dalton; sister, Louise Burton of Dalton; sister-in-laws and brothers-in-law, Sally and Wink Jones, Fearby Abernathy, all of Dalton, Bob and Donna Williams of Lawrenceville; and nieces and nephews also survive.

Services are today at 2 p.m. from the Central Church of Christ with Ronnie Missildine, Ross Jordan and Danny Rogers officiating.

Burial will be in the Whitfield Memorial Gardens.

The family will receive friends at the church, 515 N. Tibbs Road, from 10 a.m. until the funeral hour at 2.

In lieu of flowers, George requested memorials be made to Central Church of Christ Building Fund, P.O. Box 1201, Dalton, Ga., 30722-1201.

Words of comfort may be sent to the family at www.lovefuneralhomega.com.

Love Funeral Home, 1402 North Thornton Ave., Dalton, is in charge of the arrangements.