Transcribed from the Fannin County Times newspaper dated 5 May 1949.

Coming as a shock to his wide host of friends and relatives throughout this and other sections of Georgia, North Carolina and Tennessee was the recent passing of Mr. Luther H. Abernathy of Epworth Georgia, whose death occurred early Friday morning, April 29, at his furniture store in Epworth. Apparently in good health, Mr. Abernathy's passing came unexpectedly.
Known throughout Georgia, North Carolina and Tennessee for his philanthropies and other kind and noble acts, Mr. Abernathy was best known for being the benefactor in the erection of more than 100 churches in rural communities of the three states.
Being of an affable nature, Mr. Abernathy was the source of inspiration and admiration to a wide circle of ministers, whose education was made possible by his giving generously of his means in order that they might be better prepared to preach the word of God. The many ministers he helped educate and the many churches he helped erect stand as a living memorial to his good and generous qualities and his love for his fellow man.
He was always ready and willing to help those in need, and his daily living was an inspiration to all those who had the privilege of knowing and loving him. He will be fondly remembered and sadly missed by scores of people from all walks of life, for he was a true friend to everyone.
Mr. Abernathy was born in the Ivy Log community of Union County, Georgia, on February 16, 1886, the son of the late George and Corinda Christopher Abernathy, former beloved residents of Union County and Copperhill Tennessee. He received his early education in the schools of Union County and was graduated in 1906 from Highland Park College in Chattanooga, Tennessee. In 1908 he graduated from the Cincinnati College of Embalming, Cincinnati, Ohio.
Mr. Abernathy was twice married, first to the former Miss Bertha McMillan of Copperhill, Tennessee, in 1908. she preceded him in death many years ago. His second wife, whose he married in 1918, was the former Miss Elizabeth Hamlin of Barnesville, Georgia, who survives.
In 1907, Mr. Abernathy moved to Copperhill, where he became associated with his father in the operation of the Abernathy Furniture Company, and the Abernathy Funeral Home. He was active in the funeral profession fro 33 years, and retired from the business in 1939. He was the 24th man to obtain an embalmer's license in Tennessee.
Mr. Abernathy was a staunch member of the Baptist Church having professed his faith many years ago. He was a member of McCay Lodge No. 423 F. & A. M., and was. 32nd Degree Mason. He was also a member of the Epworth Men's Club and an honorary member of the Kiwanis Club.
Funeral services for Mr. Abernathy were held from the First Baptist church of Epworth, Sunday afternoon, May 1st, at 2 O'clock with the Rev. H. S. Hill, his pastor, assisted by the Rev. Roy Donaldson and the Rev L. C. Cutts of Cleveland, Ga., conducting the last rites in the presence of a throng of sorrowing relatives and friends who had come to pay their last tribute of respect to a man who was truly their friend.
The church and church grounds were filled to overflowing by the many people of all walks of life who had come from far and near to pay homage to the one man who had done more good and kind deeds for all people than any other man in the Copper Basin. Music was furnished by the Epworth Choir, the Copperhill Quartet, and the Lebanon Junior Choir. Internment followed in the Epworth Baptist Church Cemetery with McCay Lodge No. 423 F. & A. M. in charge of the graveside rites.
In addition to his wife, Mr. Abernathy is survived by six daughters, Mrs. Quentin Stepp of Alcoa, Tenn.; Mrs. A.R. Myatt, Jr., of Epworth, Ga.; Mrs. Cran Stillwell of Copperhill, Tenn.; Mrs. Louie Simonds of Hemp, Ga.; Sue and Lena Rose Abernathy of Epworth, Ga.; six sons, Frank Abernathy of Young Harris, Ga.; Robert Abernathy, of Copperhill, Tenn.; L.H. Abernathy, Jr., of Smyrna, Ga.; Carl Ed and Charles Abernathy of Epworth, Ga. and Harry Abernathy of Cleveland, Ga.; one sister, Mrs. Carrie Cole of Knoxville, Tenn.; two brothers, Carl Otis Abernathy and Oscar Abernathy of Copperhill, Tenn.; 7 grandchildren and several nieces and nephews also survive.
Active and honorary pallbearers were composed of members of McCay Lodge NO 423 F. & A. M. A large number of beautiful floral offerings bear mute testimony of the high esteem felt for Mr. Abernathy by his wide circle of friends. The family has the sympathy of the entire section in their bereavement.
The Frank Abernathy Funeral Home of Young Harris, Georgia was in charge of all arrangements.