In Loving Memory
CHARLOTTE – Larry “Papa” Abernathy died peacefully at his home on December 10, 2024, of heart complications. He is survived by his wife, Ginny Abernathy, his two sons Scott (Christy) and Gary (Lisa) Abernathy, his stepdaughter Joanne (Philip), and stepson Blake (Stephanie), as well as his beloved grandchildren, Britanie, Katelyn, Madison (JT), Emma, Grace, Benjamin, Matthew, Marissa, Jami (Michael), Riley (Lauren). And his four great grandchildren. Also, his four nephews Brian (Mandy), Dave, Danny, and Tommy Abernathy.
Papa was born December 14, 1938, in Charlotte NC to the late Fred and Lillian Abernathy. He graduated from Central High School in Charlotte in 1957 and went on to graduate from Charlotte College in 1960. Equipped with a great business acumen and the determination to succeed, he went to work for the late Dick Ward in 1960 selling material handling equipment. In 1976 Papa’s mentor and owner of Advanced Equipment Company, the late Herman Pfeiffer sold the company to Papa and thus began the remarkable success story of his company. That tremendous success continues today. Larry’s expertise lies in the design and selling of conveyor systems, storage systems, and handling equipment for manufacturing. His greatest gift was the mentorship and leadership he provided his company throughout the 65-year history of AEC. Larry’s leadership was felt nationally as well throughout the industry with relationships he forged with hundreds of people who all have a great Larry Abernathy story to tell. Larry garnered many awards and tributes through the years. His motto lives on “Sell, Sell, Sell”. He served on MHEDA’s Board of Directors from 1999 to 2005.
Larry was a true and enormously proud native of Charlotte. He was a great ambassador for Charlotte to the many guests he hosted the past six decades. He is a Panther PSL owner, a Speedway Club member along with other former memberships locally. His Carolina pride ran deep. He was a Tarheel fan his entire life. He enjoyed his membership to Myers Park Methodist Church.
Papa’s greatest love though was his family. His wonderful 35-year marriage to Ginny and his beloved grandchildren. Papa truly enjoyed watching and supporting his grandchildren in their sports and events. He showed immense pride in his very multi-talented grandchildren, and Proud Papa was loud and beaming when they were successful. He also greatly enjoyed his beach house, the South Carolina coastal seafood, and trips traveling throughout the country he loved. Papa also greatly enjoyed the many friendships he made through the decades. He has several close lifelong friends that will miss him.
Larry “Papa” Abernathy will be best remembered for his great generosity, his work ethic, his true pride and accomplishments, his mentorship, and his sound leadership to his family and his work family. Most of all, his love of family. Papa loved the Christmas season. One of his last hours was spent watching and enjoying the decoration of his house by his wife and grandson Ben. Larry “Papa” Abernathy was a tremendous example of Life well lived. He will be greatly missed.
A service to celebrate Larry’s life will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday Dec. 16, 2024 in the sanctuary of Myers Park United Methodist Church The family will receive friends from 12:30 to 1:45 in Jubilee Hall at the church. Entombment will be private in Sharon Memorial Park.
