John Wayne Abernathy is the new owner of Ward's Funeral Home in Gainesville.
Abernathy confirmed the deal was closed on Friday.
Jimmy Brewer, the immediate past owner, said in a statement that he is staying on board with the funeral home and is not retiring, and that he thinks "we'll make a great team."
John Wayne Abernathy has 27-years of experience in the funeral home business, with 23 of those years working in Gainesville. He had served as the Hall County deputy coroner for 12 years. Longtime Gainesville residents may remember he is also the son of late businessman Wayne Abernathy. John Wayne Abernathy has been married to Wendi Kinsey Abernathy for 25 years and they have one daughter, Lauren.
