Born in Shelby, NC, he was a son of the late Paul Hicks and Madge Aline Mitcham Abernathy.

Mayor Abernathy served for a total of 32 years in city government for the City of Clemson having served for four years on council prior to being elected Mayor in 1984. During his tenure as mayor, both the City of Clemson and Clemson University have had significant growth and yet through his leadership, the city has maintained it's village quality as well as forged cooperation with Clemson University to help enrich the lives of both citizens and students alike. He was a 1969 graduate of Clemson University where he also earned his Master's Degree. He also served as Director of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission for both Oconee and Anderson Counties as well as being Visiting Professor of Counselor Education and Clinical/Mental Health in the College of Health Education and Human Development at Clemson University. He was a member of University Lutheran Church.

Surviving are his wife, Jo Ann Davis Abernathy of the home; daughter, Dana Simpson and husband, Tim of Clemson; son, Ben Abernathy and wife, Nicky of Atlanta, GA; and grandchildren, Blake Simpson, Tyler Simpson, Chase Abernathy and Cody Abernathy.

In addition to his parents he was predeceased by a brother, Danny Abernathy.

Memorial services will be 2 PM, Thursday at First Baptist Church of Clemson.

The family will receive friends following the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to University Lutheran Church, 111 Sloan Street, Clemson, SC 29631, Clemson Community Care, P.O. Box 271, Clemson, SC 29633 or Clemson Free Clinic, P.O. Box 491, Clemson, SC 29633.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or at Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home, Central, SC.