Wayne Edward Abernathy went home to be with Jesus on Dec. 13, 2007, surrounded by family and friends.

Wayne was the son of Glenn and Toria Strong Abernathy. He was born on Nov. 15, 1946. He and Judy Dees were married on May 10, 1969.

He was a member of the Red Star Baptist Church. He was a meat cutter in the Cape Girardeau area for 37 years, last working for Save-a-Lot.

The loves of his life were his two grandchildren, Sierra and Ethan. His passion was playing guitar and bluegrass music.

He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Judy; a son, Travis Abernathy of Millersville; two grandchildren, Sierra and Ethan of Cape Girardeau; two stepgrandchildren, Tristen Grable and Alexis Turner of Millersville; and two brothers, Edgar and Clyde Abernathy of Cape Girardeau.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Glenn and Toria Abernathy of Cape Girardeau.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Chapel. Funeral will be at 11 a.m. Monday at the funeral home. The Rev. Bob Houchins and Dr. Joseph Miller will officiate, with interment at Peterman Dees Cemetery at Fredericktown, Mo.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Red Star Food Pantry.