Benjamin Abernathy (12-15-11)

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

He 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 nine 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 sisters, Margaret Poore and Bernice Tritt; and a brother, John Henry Abernathy.

Survivors include his loving wife, Rose L. Abernathy, Lula; daughter and son-in-law, Beverly and Charles Duke, Gainesville; son and daughter-in-law, Randall and Carol Abernathy, Gillsville; son, Michael Abernathy, Lula; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren; brother and sister-in-law, Wayne and Ruby Abernathy, Lula; brother-in-law, the Rev. Donald Tritt; and a number of nieces, nephews and other relatives.

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

Memorial Park North Riverside Chapel, Gainesville, is in charge of arrangements.