ELDER WALTER ABERNATHY
was born on October 17, 1928, to parents, Elverse Abernathy
and Melissa Morris Abernathy. Walter was one of ten children
born to this union. He often talked of his childhood and
growing up in a large family.

Walter started and ended his educational learning in the
Tuscumbia School System. He affectionately talked about
his days at Trenholm High School. His love for Trenholm
ran deep. As far as he was concerned, there was not a school
around that topped Trenholm.

After high school, Walter married Gertie Southard, to
whom he was married for almost 50 years. To this union,
four children were born. He was the proud grandfather of
13 "GRANDS," as he affectionally referred to them, and
14 great-grandchildren. He possessed such a great love for
his natural family as well as his spiritual family. It was in
1969 that Walter would come to know the Lord. Everyone
that knew him has that date etched in their memory, for he
often testifies how he was walking and the Lord directed
his attention to a holiness tent meeting. It was that night
that the Lord started the transformation of his life. It was
later, in 1971, that he heard and answered the call of God
to the ministry. He got baptized in Jesus' name and received
the gift of the Holy Ghost. Walter was ordained a licensed
minister of Healing Fountain Apostolic Faith Church, and
later he was ordained as a licensed Elder. In 1973, Elder
Walter Abernathy was appointed as the assistant pastor.
He was faithful for many years under the leadership of his
beloved son-in-law, Bishop Thomas Owens, until his health
declined. He would often conduct devotional services and
was known for his own rendition of songs such as Because
He Lives, Time Is Winding Up, There Is Room at the Cross,

Handwriting on the Wall, and many other hymns. He was
serious about the work of God. His favorite quote was, "Be
Real." Walter was a true Worshipper, Warrior, and Witness
for the Lord. He retired in 1993 from Reynolds Alloy.

In December 1997, Elder Walter Abernathy met Missionary
Ernestine "Tina" Scruggs of Pentecostal Lighthouse
Apostolic Church in Huntsville, Alabama, and on May
23, 1998, they were married. In this 23 years union, they
worked together in winning souls for the Lord. He gained
three adult children by marriage, Sean, Rhea (Marcus), and
Aquana (Tracey). Two more grandchildren were added to
their family, which they were very blessed with.

Elder Abernathy was preceded in death by: his parents,
Elverse and Melissa Abernathy; his first wife, Mother Gertie
Abernathy; sisters, Emma Triplett, Christine Johnson, Betsy
Whatley, and Edna Garrett; and a brother, Edgar Abernathy.
He was also preceded in death by two siblings that died
during childhood.

Elder Abernathy was affectionally known as "DanDan," as
well as "Elder."

He leaves behind those that will cherish his memory: his wife,
Tina Abernathy; one son, Pastor Walter (Lillian) Abernathy;
three daughters, Sandra (Thomas) Owens, Doris (the late
Ronald) Baker, and Victoria (Michael) Hodges; two brothers,
Bennie Abernathy (Carolyn) and Morris Abernathy; sister-in-law, Betty Abernathy; and a host of nieces, nephews,
cousins, spiritual children, and other families.