Benjamin Ralph Abernathy

Benjamin Ralph Abernathy, age 80, of Lula, Georgia, passed away Thursday, December 15, 2011 at his residence following an extended illness.

Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 pm Saturday, December 17, 2011 at Gillsville Baptist Church in Gillsville, GA, with interment to follow in the church cemetery. The Reverend Bill Calhoun, Reverend Doug Tritt and Reverend Tim House will officiate. The family will receive friends from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm Friday, December 16, 2011 at the funeral home.

Mr. Abernathy was born October 25, 1931 in the village of Chicopee in Hall County, Georgia. He was the son of the late Henry Abernathy and Mazie Lawrence Abernathy. He was a member of the Gillsville Baptist Church and also a member of the Lula Masonic Lodge # 352. Mr. Abernathy drove a Hall County School Bus for 9 years. Ralph was well known for his wood carving and leather workmanship. He was a retired poultry and cattle farmer and enjoyed working and sharing his vegetable garden. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Margaret Poore and Bernice Tritt; and a brother, John Henry Abernathy.

Mr. Abernathy is survived by his loving wife, Rose L. Abernathy of Lula; daughter and son-in-law, Beverly and Charles Duke of Gainesville; son and daughter-in-law, Randall and Carol Abernathy of Gillsville; son, Michael Abernathy of Lula; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren; brother and sister-in-law, Wayne and Ruby Abernathy of Lula and brother-in-law, Rev. Donald Tritt. A number of nieces, nephews and other relatives also survive.

Memorial Park North Riverside Chapel 989 Riverside Drive Gainesville, GA 30501. 770-297-6200. Online condolences at www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com.