Donald "Don" Ray Abernathy, 75, of Vale, passed away on August 11, 2025 at Frye Regional Medical Center in Hickory, NC.

Don was born on April 11, 1950 in Cleveland County, NC to the late Henry Clyde Abernathy and Selma Lee White Abernathy. He attended West Lincoln High School and was retired from Duke Energy as a surveyor. Don enjoyed the outdoors, fishing and car racing. He enjoyed helping people and fixing things. He served in the US Army.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Shirley Towery.

Don is survived by his wife of 55 years, Gaye Beam Abernathy; daughter, Lesley Chapman and husband, Tommy of Lincolnton; a grandson, Carson Chapman; two sisters, Vickie Abernathy of Lincolnton and Linda Little of Cherryville and brother, Bobby Abernathy of Vale.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, August 14, 2025 from 12:45pm to 1:45pm at Stamey-Tysinger Funeral Home.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, August 14, 2025 at 2:00pm at Stamey-Tysinger Funeral Home with the Revs. Johnny Norton and Paul Simpson officiating.

Burial will follow at Hebron Church Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516.

Online condolences can be made at www.stameytysingerfuneralhome.com.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Stamey-Tysinger Funeral Home & Cremation Center-Fallston.