Arnold Franklin Abernethy

Arnold Franklin Abernethy, 92, of Salisbury went home to be with his Lord and Saviour Wednesday, November 23, 2016 at the NC State Veterans Home. Born March 7, 1924, in Rowan County he was the son of the late William Turner Abernethy Sr., and Minnie Amanda Wallace Abernethy. Preceding him in death were his parents, his brother William T. Jr., a sister Margie Abernethy Hoffman and his youngest son Ricky (Rick) Thomas Abernethy. He graduated from Spencer High School, and later took a welding course at Boyden (Salisbury) High School. He worked for North Carolina Shipbuilding Company in Wilmington, NC as a welder before joining the US Navy in 1943 where he served honorably. He studied while in the Navy, at NTSch(M) Wentworth Institute Boston, MA, NTSch, Richmond, VA, and NTSch Bainbridge, MD. He served on the newly commissioned USS Stewart DE238. He was awarded four medals, the American Area – Victory WWII – European African Area – Asiatic Area for his service in the Navy. His highest rating was Metalsmith Petty Officer Second Class. After the Navy, he was employed by Southern Railway which later became Norfolk Southern as a brakeman and later transferred to the Car Department as a Carman and retired in 1985 as a Car Inspector at the new facility in Linwood, NC, with 42 ½ years of service. Arnold was gifted with carpentry and remodeled the two story farm house they moved into in 1956. He built a Split-Level home for himself and his wife as well as helping build three homes for his sons. Arnold married the love of his life, Billie K. Menscer, on March 11, 1949 and they shared 67 wonderful years together, on a 48 acre farm raising four sons. Arnold had a musical talent to sing as well as play the bass guitar. He formed the Abernethy Trio which included their two oldest sons. He and his wife Ms. Billie, worked as a team, in some of the area churches where she was the pianist. They served at Landis Baptist Church, Landis, Tabernacle Baptist Church, China Grove, New Hope Baptist, Salisbury, and Calvary Baptist Tabernacle, Salisbury, where he held his membership. Arnold played the bass guitar there until he was 91 years old. He also served as Sunday School teacher and Sunday School Superintendent. Surviving are his wife Billie Menscer Abernethy and sons Timothy A. (Peggy), Franklin T. (Judy), Don R. (Ann) a special daughter-in-law Vickie Benfield Abernethy ; special niece Gwen Crowe; grandchildren Timothy Eugene (Angie), Julie, Joshua (Laura), Jacob, Emily Harless (Jon), Jonathan S., Paul T. (Adrianna)and, four great grandchildren. He will truly be missed, his presence at the dinner table and at church. He will be in the wonderful place called Heaven with His Savior and members of his family that are already there. The family will receive friends 9:30 – 11:00 AM Saturday, November 26, 2016 at Calvary Baptist Tabernacle. The funeral service will follow at 11:00 AM with Rev. Dr. Steve Holshouser and Rev. Brian Vanderford officiating. Burial with Military Honors will be in Westlawn Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to Calvary Baptist Tabernacle, 3760 Stokes Ferry Road, Salisbury, NC 28146. Summersett Funeral Home is serving the Abernethy family. Online condolences may be made at www.summersettfuneralhome.com

Arnold Franklin Abernethy

March 7, 1924 - November 23, 2016