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James R. Abernathy
Published 10:12am Tuesday, September 11, 2012January 8, 1926 – September 3, 2012
James R. Abernathy, 86 of Chapel Hill, North Carolina passed away on Monday, September 3, 2012.
He was born in Dadeville, Alabama on January 8, 1926. He was preceded in death by his parents Mary and Grady Abernathy, and brothers Conrad and Karl Abernathy.
He served in the US Army from 1944-1946. Later he earned his BS degree in Business Administratration from Howard College in l951, his Masters in Public Health in l955 from the University of North Carolina, and a PHD in Public Health, Biostatistics from UNC in l965.
He became a professor at UNC in the
Department of Biostatisitcs, School of Public Health and became a well known international demographer, publishing dozens of statistical papers during his esteemed 30 year career with the University.
He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather, a longtime member of Ephesus Baptist Chruch and a faithful example of Christ.
Survivors include wife of 57 years Cherye W. Abernathy of the home, sons, David Abernathy and wife Linnie, of Statesville, NC, J. Bradley Abernathy and wife Stac y of Rocky Mount, NC, daughters, Cherye Moody, of Whiteville, NC, Linda Hartig, and husband Phil of Durham, NC, granddaughters, L. Star Abernathy of Statesville, NC, Leeana Foster and husband John of Rougemont, NC, Megan Merke and husband Daniel of St. Augustine, FL, Meredith Edgerton of Durham, NC, Mary Elizabeth Moody and Sarah Moody of Whiteville, NC.
Also surviving are sister Mary Jane Aycock and Brother Clarence Abernathy of Alabama.
A Memorial Service celebrating his life was held on Saturday, September 8th at Ephesus Baptist Church, 2025 Ephesus Road, Chapel Hill, NC. In lieu of flowers memorial gifts can be made to Ephesus Baptist Church in Jim’s memory.
Online condolences at CremationSocietyNC.com
