Howard Thomas Abernathy

He was a member of Royal Chapel Church of God, where he was an active member of the choir for many years.

For years, he was an avid golfer at Catawba Country Club where he enjoyed spending time with many friends on the course and playing an occasional game of cards.

Howard came from humble beginnings. He worked hard in the textile industry and then on to being an over the road truck driver to support his family. It was while driving a truck, delivering carpet to Dalton, GA, the he decided to start his own carpet business. In 1965, along with his brother, Charles, they started H & A Carpet of Hickory. For the last 57 years, they have worked to make their business successful and provide service to Hickory and the surrounding area. They want to thank the many loyal customers and contractors for their years of support. H & A Carpet is something he was extremely proud of.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Shirley Abernathy, daughters Gail Buffington and Denise Townsend, his brother Robert Young and granddaughter, Kyley Burkhalter.

Surviving are his children, Hal Abernathy (Lori), Gaye Lowman (Terry), Hope Skoney (Jim), Joli Burkhalter (Tommy), son-in-law Earnest Townsend, and dear companion, Peggy Crotts. One brother Charles Young (Carolyn) and a special nephew, Michael Young.

Also surviving are granddaughters, Briana and Taylor Burkhalter, grandsons, Curtis Lowman (Tonya), Chase Lowman (Jill), Dustin Townsend and Lance Townsend (Alex), and five great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 14, 2022 at Royal Chapel at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Carlton Davidson officiating.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, October 13, 2022 from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Hickory Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to the Royal Chapel Kitchen Fund, as he enjoyed their many dinners, at 7190 George Hildebran Road, Hickory, NC 28602.