Russell Abernathy

Mr. Russell Abernathy Sr., age 79 was born July 3, 1942 in Union, North Carolina to parents Reather and George W. Abernathy Sr. Russell, who was affectionately known as "Rut"," Russ-al", and "Russ", "Pops" and "Pawpaw", went home to be with our Lord and Savior on Saturday May 21, 2022 in his home where he resided in Dayton, Ohio. 

Russell was the youngest of nine children. He graduated from Sims High School. After moving from North Carolina, where he resided with one of his siblings briefly, he moved to Ohio where he had many different jobs, but soon landed a position at NCR Corporation, where he retired early. Russell went on to work as a driver for Beeber's Pharmacy for a number of years as well as Meals on Wheels delivering food to homes where he met and became fast friends with his clients and enjoyed talking to them about their lives.  Russell's hobbies included fishing, taking care of his garden, listening to the blues, playing cards, and spending time with his grandchildren. He was also known for his infectious smile and laugh. 

Russell was preceded in death by his parent's, Reather and George W. Abernathy Sr.; brothers, George (Malzetta) Abernathy Jr., Clarence (Gladys) Abernathy, James Abernathy and Hobert Abernathy; children, Russell Abernathy Jr. and Russell (Rusty) Gordon and sisters, Bessie Cureton, Mildred Jamison, and Etta Mae Goode.

Russell leaves to cherish his memories: his wife of 43 yrs. Sharron Abernathy; one living sister, Al (Johnny) LaGree; children, Leslie (Keith) Ross Sr., Terrance (Danyelle) Mackins, Chris Gordon, Fred Gordon, Robin (Chris) Diggs, and Dion (ToiKeyah) Abernathy; 19 grandchildren; 5 bonus grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; 2 special nieces and nephews, whom he treated as his own; his best friend, Forrest (Shirley) Woods along with a host of other nieces and nephews, cousins and extended family and friends too many to name. 

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