Gilbert Abernathy

Gilbert Fulton Abernathy, 90 of Gardendale went home to Jesus on Sunday, May 5, 2013. Mr. Abernathy was a lifelong resident of Birmingham. He was the only child of M. Futon Abernathy of Giles County Tennessee and Donna (Legg) Abernathy of Limestone, Alabama. He was a member of the First Methodist Church of Birmingham but regularly attended the Gardendale First Baptist Church as long as he was able to do so. Mr. Abernathy was a graduate of Phillips High School. At age 20 he joined the US Army and served our country during World War II. He married the former Billie Jo Curl of Tarrant, Alabama in February of 1949. They made their home in Birmingham and attended Norwood Baptist Church. They had two daughters. Mr. Abernathy was employed by Hayes Aircraft during the 1960's and taking night courses he graduated from the Birmingham School of Law. In 1972 Mr. Abernathy was hit head on by an 18 wheeler on the 78 Highway and spent over a year in the Veteran's Hospital. The wreck caused permanent injury to his legs but he never allowed this to hold him back. The family moved to Gardendale in 1974. Gilbert was a loving husband to his wife, Billie Curl for 59 years and she preceded him in death on August 26, 2010. He is survived by a cousin Price Legg of Lillian, Alabama and his two daughters Marcia (Steve) Adkins and Janiece Peeples, four grandchildren Jason (Kelli) Adkins, Stephanie McCluskey, Miranda (Zackary) Tubbs and Paul Peeples and eight great grandchildren, Cade and Sarah Hayden Adkins, Eve McCluskey and Kyah, Frank, Kary, Noe and Kera Tubbs. Gilbert Abernathy will be remembered for his compassionate, friendly nature and his unique perspective on the world. Visitation will begin at 1:00 pm on Saturday; May 11, 2013; funeral will be at 2:00 pm in the afternoon at Jefferson Memorial Chapel with burial to follow. Jefferson Memorial in Trussville directing.