George Abernathy

George Kelly Abernathy, 68, of Friedheim passed away Friday, Aug. 31, 2012, at his home.

He was born Sept. 24, 1943, in Zalma, Mo., son of Marvin and Haley Slaughter Abernathy. He and Liz Ross were married Aug. 15, 1962, and recently celebrated their 50th anniversary.

Abernathy graduated from Zalma High School. In 1960 he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and in 1962 he transferred into the U.S. Army. While in the U.S. Army he served in both the 101st and the 82nd Airborne Infantry during two tours in Vietnam. He was decorated with a Bronze Star Medal with V Device, the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Combat Infantry Badge and the Army Commendation Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster. He retired from the U.S. Army in 1981 at which time he attained the rank of sergeant first class. In 1982 he and Liz moved to Jackson and he drove for Landstar Trucking for nearly 20 years.

He was a lifetime member of VFW Post 3838 in Cape Girardeau and the Altenthal- Joerns American Legion Post 158 in Jackson. Abernathy always put others first and was willing to give whatever he had to someone in need. His famous cliché was, "Never sweat the small ‘stuff'." He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Loving survivors include his wife; two sons, Aaron Abernathy of Jackson and Brian (Rhonda) Abernathy of Raeford, N.C.; four grandchildren, Zachery and Megan Abernathy and Natalie and Ashley Abernathy.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Faye Bond.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday at the chapel of McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home, with the Rev. James Brown officiating.

Interment will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield, Mo., with full military honors.

Memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Program.

Sympathy messages may be sent to the family online at www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.