Johnny Wayne Abernathy

Johnny “Papa-Bear” “Abby” Wayne Abernathy, 75 of Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, passed away peacefully at Wake Medical Center in Raleigh on Saturday May 17, 2025.  Johnny was born on October 19, 1949, in Halifax County. He was preceded in death by parents John Smith Abernathy and Rosa Love Abernathy, his grandparents Grover Lee Love and Lena Mae Love.

He is survived by his wife Kathy Abernathy, son James Benjamin Abernathy (Bambi), stepdaughters Shelly Whitten (fiancé Draper Mitchell), Melinda Whitten (fiancé George Flowers), grandchildren Christopher Gray (Kansas), Jordan Gallo (Nick), Halie Moseley (John), Cody Cooke (Kaila), Angel Abernathy, Carlie Abernathy, Cheyanne Roach and great grandchildren Nathon, Cade, Kinsley, Lorenzo, Lillia.

Johnny was a long haul truck driver for 45 years, a member of First Baptist Church, avid antique collector, loved the Andy Griffth and Mattlock TV shows, enjoyed the Thursday night meals with the Hot Rod Club and travelling to Mrytle Beach with Kathy.

The family will receive friends and family on Sunday June 1, 2025, from 2:30pm to 3:45pm at First Baptist Church, a memorial service will follow at 4:00pm.

Hockaday Funeral & Cremation Services is handling arrangements for the Abernathy family.  Family and friends may sign the online register by visiting www.hockadayfs.com .

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