Alfred Abnathey

Funeral services for Reverend Alfred Abnathey, Jr. 84, of Gastonia, North Carolina, will be conducted on Sunday July 22, 2018 at 3PM at Bethlehem Baptist Church. Burial will follow in the Werts cemetery.

Reverend Alfred Abnathey entered eternal rest on July 17, 2018, at the Robin Johnson House in Dallas, North Carolina. Mr. Abnathey was born on May 4, 1934, to the late Mr. Alfred Abnathey, Sr., and the late Mrs. Louise Abnathey.

 He was a 1956 graduate of Gallman High School in Newberry, South Carolina. After graduation, he was employed at the Market Basket, later working with the Colonial Store and Bi-Lo chains. He then went to work for Big Star in Greenwood, SC, but decided he liked home better and returned to Newberry, working for South Carolina National Bank until his retirement. He was the founder and first leader of the Amazing Abnathey Singers. He sang in many other groups, as well.

Reverend Abnathey preached the Gospel for 40 years, during which he pastored at Saint Matthew in Newberry, SC, Mitchell Chapel in Union, SC, and St. Luke’s Baptist Church in York, SC. After retirement, he relocated to Brooklyn, New York, where he served as Associate Pastor of the Greater Free Gift Baptist Church under the Reverend D.W. Batts. In his time there, he wore many hats. He sang in the Male Chorus, Senior Chorus and the D.W. Batts Chorus. He relocated to Gastonia, where he studied at Agape Bible College, graduating in 2009 with a B.A. in Religion.

In addtion to his parents, Reverend Abnathey was predeceased by a brother, George Wilson; a daughter, Mattie Campbell, and a son, Issac Abnathey.

He leaves to cherish his memories a loving wife Parthenia Abnathey; two daughters, Martha Prophet of Newberry, and Karen Jimenez of Gastonia; three sons, Alphonso Abnathey and Alfred (Shirley) Abnathey, both of Newberry, and Marlo Seth Pope of Greenwood; four sisters, Fannie Wicker, Rebecca Price, Annie Abnathey and Mary Wilson, all of Newberry; seventeen grandchildren, including four reared in the home, Tamecka, Naquan, Thomas and Shanequa; 27 great-grandchildren; a brother-in-law, James Darby of Brooklyn; a daughter-in-law, Patricia Abnathey; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends, including a devoted friend, Peter Suber.

 Service Information