Lewis Howard Abernathy

After a life well lived, Lewis Howard Abernathy, age 93, of Granite Falls, NC, passed away on March 27, 2025, at home. He was born on December 17, 1931, in Catawba County, NC, the son of the late Daniel Moses and Viola Reed Abernathy. He was a devoted husband to the late Marvie Fair Abernathy for 68 years and a loving father to Debra Bumgarner and Dawn Beane and their families.

Lewis was a hardworking and dedicated man. He retired after 47 years as a supervisor in wood carving at Drexel Heritage Furniture. He loved working with his hands, and despite his responsibilities, he always made time for his family and friends.

Though Lewis may not have liked being the center of attention, he deserves to have his years of fatherly love honored. He was a man of integrity, kindness, and generosity, leaving a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.

His hobbies and interests helped define who he was. He enjoyed deer hunting, fishing, spending time at his favorite outdoor shop, working on guns and bows, watching baseball, tinkering in his workshop, and gardening. His love for the outdoors was something he shared with family and friends, leaving an imprint that will never fade.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Marvie, his parents, Moses and Viola, his granddaughter, Dena Bumgarner; his brothers, Ab Abernathy, Ed Abernathy, Smith Abernathy, and Lawrence Abernathy, and his sisters, Ellen Abernathy, Dot Bolick, Margaret Abernathy, Myrtle Powell, and Doris Hunter.

He is survived by his daughters, Debra Bumgarner and Dawn Beane (Doug), six grandchildren, Lewis Bumgarner (Angie), William Bumgarner (Brandy), Madison Bumgarner (Ali), Kayleigh Thomas, Seth Beane (Brittany), and Luke Beane (Jamie), four great-grandchildren: Jeremy Bumgarner, Payton Byrd, Devin Bumgarner (Alex), and Jordan Bumgarner (Allena), and one great-great-grandchild, Silas Bumgarner. He is also survived by many friends and extended family members who will miss him dearly.

A viewing, without family present, will be held on Monday, March 31, 2025 from 5-8pm, at Pendry’s Lenoir Funeral Home.

A graveside service for all family and friends will be held at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens, with interment to follow on April 1, 2025 at 1pm. Serving as pallbearers will be Madison Bumgarner, Seth Beane, Luke Beane, Devin Bumgarner, Jordan Bumgarner and Jeremy Bumgarner. Honorary pallbearers will be Lewis Bumgarner and Will Bumgarner.

We find comfort in knowing that Daddy’s legacy lives on through the lessons he taught us, the love he shared, and the memories we will cherish forever.

Matthew 5:4 – “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”