Charles C. Abernathy

Charles C. Abernathy, age 90 of Blue Ridge, passed away on Thursday, September 10, 2015, at his home. Mr. Abernathy was born April 19, 1925, in Copperhill, TN, to the late Luther H. Abernathy, and the late Elizabeth Ann Hamlin Abernathy.
Charles was a decorated veteran of the U.S. Navy during WWII, serving in both the Pacific and the European Theaters. He was a member of the elite Navy Armed Guard and served on the U.S.A.T Sea Train Texas which delivered troops, trains, tanks and supplies to the European Theater. He also served on the U.S.S. YMS-330 Minesweeper, and participated in the Occupation and Minesweeping Operations in the Empire of Japan, with Task Group 52.7, Bungo Suido Sweep Group. The Minesweep group he was assigned to, cleared HiroShima Bay prior to the arrival of the Occupational Forces.
Mr. Abernathy grew up in the family furniture business, working with his father, mother and brother. Later, he went into business for himself at Charles Home Furnishings. He loved fishing, spinning stories, and joking with friends. He was always fascinated with flying. In his mid forties Charles decided it would be fun, as well as a new challenge and became a private pilot. Charles had one of the best hush puppy recipes around. Mr. Abernathy was very proud of his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was well known for his sense of humor and loved being the ''Candy Man'' at church.
Charles was a member and a Deacon of Epworth First Baptist Church.
Survivors include: wife, Marguerite Taylor Abernathy, sons, Charles Brian (Deborah) Abernathy, Allan (Gail) Abernathy and James (Sandra) Abernathy, sisters, Liz Simonds, Sue Ackridge and Lena Rose Earley, brother, Harry Walter Abernathy, grandchildren, Ashley (Scott) McCord, Katrina (Josh) Griggs, Justin (Michelle) Abernathy, Miranda (Jacob) Scarbrough, Alana (Jeremy) Locke, great grandchildren, Logan, Bronson, and Deacon Scarbrough, Alec Goetz Gaivao, nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held Saturday, September 12, 2015 at 1:00 pm at the Epworth First Baptist Church with Dr. Tom Jordan officiating. Music provided by Rev. Doug Simonds.: Interment followed in the church cemetery. Pallbearers: Ronnie Kimsey, Steve Cheatham, Danny Queen, Danny Wilson, Jimmy Foster and Harvey Franks. Honorary pallbearers: Ed Vest, Max Pittman and Deacons of Epworth First Baptist Church will also serve as honorary pallbearers.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers that donations may be made to Epworth First Baptist Church Building Fund P.O. Box 187 Epworth, Ga. 30541.
Arrangements entrusted to the Finch-Cochran Funeral Home of McCaysville, GA. You may send condolences to the family and sign the guest register at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.