Samuel Emory Abernathy, 70 departed on his last and eternal patrol at 3:11 p. m. Sunday September 23, 2012. He was born August 9, 1942 in West Lebanon, IN to Stephen E. and Lotha M. (Spivey) Abernathy, who preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by an infant son, Jeffrey Evan, 03/10/1965, one grandchild, and a sister Janice Ferrior.
Sam graduated from Perrysville High School in 1960 and joined the US Navy in November of that year. His career spanned 30 years retiring as senior chief in 1990. He takes most pride in being a submarine veteran on nuclear powered submarines, commissioning crew of USS Bergall and USS Plunger. He made several Cold War deployments to the Mediterranean Sea, Eastern Atlantic and Western Pacific Oceans.
He was a life member of United States Submarine Veterans, Inc. and a Life member of Submarine Veterans, Hoosier Base in Greenwood, IN. He was an at-large member of American Legion Post #288, Veedersburg.
Sam is survived by his wife of 50 years, Nancy Lee (Dunivan) Abernathy; a daughter, Nadita Lynn (Cliff) Saunders of Upland, CA; two sons, Scott Eric (Cheryl) of Cayuga, Lee Emory of Danville, IL, and five Grandchildren, Hilary (Steve) Robbins, Ryan Moody, Leah and Trenton Abernathy, Gilliam Saunders.
Also surviving are three sisters, Shirley (Lloyd) Curry of Georgetown, IL, Carol Lloyd) Jackson, Gretchen Hutchison, both of Crossville, TN; a brother Stephen Abernathy of Veedersburg; a half- brother Richard (Paulette) Spivey of Williamsport; stepmother Eva Abernathy; stepbrother Allen Smith, 2 step sisters, Melva Smith and Barbara Wait, all of Veedersburg.
Sam most recently retired from the trucking industry after 21 years as an instructor/trainer and driver.
A gathering of friends will be 4:00 to 7:00 p. m. Friday September 28, 2012 at Shelby Funeral Home, Covington with a memorial service at 7:00 p. m. and military honors. Per his request he was cremated. Condolences to the family: www.shelbyfuneralhome.com