Jay Miles Abernathy, born August 23, 1971 in Lubbock, Texas, left this life to meet Jesus on Wednesday, April 4, 2012. He was at peace and ready. Jay wanted more than anything for this journey to be one that glorified God, and his death has brought eternal joy for Jay. He was raised in El Paso, Texas and spent the majority of his middle school and high school years in Abilene, Texas, where he loved going to church, playing volleyball and eating Mexican food. He graduated from McMurry University with a business degree and pursued a career as a Stock Broker. He married Cim at Wylie Baptist Church in June 1997 and they moved to Virginia in July for Jay to start his Civil Service career. Jay worked in Transportation and Logistics for the Army at Fort Lee, Virginia for 14 years and enjoyed leading his branch and the camaraderie of working together as a team. He made many friends there and had wonderful travel experiences, as well as briefings with Generals from all over the world. He learned his strong work ethic from his Dad. Jay and his family are members of Mount Pleasant Baptist Church in Colonial Heights, Virginia, where Jay has served as the chairman of various committees, a Deacon, an usher on Sunday mornings, substitute Sunday School Teacher, Men's Ministry leader and a Tuesday night visitor. In his free time, he loved playing with his kids, teaching his son about Star Wars, Wii, dancing with his daughter, playing racquetball and golf with his buddies. Jay visited cardiac patients monthly at MCV and attended Donate Life fund raisers; he felt strongly about giving back. He loved people and serving Jesus. He is survived by his wife of 14 years, Cim; his two children, Grant and Emily; his parents, John and Judy Abernathy of Abilene, Texas; his in-laws, Mike and Gay Ward of Abilene, Texas; and extended family in many states. Services are Monday, April 9, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. in Mount Pleasant Baptist Church, 3110 Greenwood Ave., Colonial Heights, Virginia 23834. Burial will follow in Southlawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday, April 7, 2012 in the Colonial Heights Chapel of the E. Alvin Small Funeral Home and Crematory 2033 Boulevard. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Donate Life Virginia. Condolences may be registered at www.ealvinsmall.com.
Published in Abilene Reporter-News on April 8, 2012