William Gaines Abernathy

Wiliam Gaines Abernathy passed away on February 3, 2025 in Winnsboro, TX after a short illness. He was born February 15, 1953 to D.C. and Mary Gaines Abernathy. He went by his nickname, Bill, all his life.

Bill spent his entire youth in Commerce, attending 12 years of public school and 4 years at ETSU. He grew up in the First Presbyterian Church in Commerce.

Bill excelled in band in high school, which founded his lifelong love for music.

While at ET, he became a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity, where he made many lifelong friends. Bill worked in the ETSU computing center 2 years after obtaining his BS in Computer Science.

The lure of the big city brought him to the DFW metroplex, where he enjoyed a wonderful career as a systems programmer and software developer. He worked for such notable companies as Frito Lay, Neiman Marcus, and Arco. The last 18 years of work brought him to Computer Associates. Bill, along with Eric Johnson (a close friend from his college days) were proud of the two patents they were awarded while working together at Computer Associates.

Bill had many hobbies and interests, which included Ham Radio, photography and tinkering with his Model A. He was a member of the First Methodist Church in Winnsboro, where he became close friends with Pastor Debbie Lyons.

Bill was proceeded in death by his parents, D.C. and Mary Abernathy and his late wife, Mary Short Abernathy. He is survived by his wife, Nancy Beauchamp, of Winnsboro, sister Nita King of Winnsboro, daughter Amy Abernathy of Lewisville, son Bobby Abernathy and his wife Courtney, of Lewisville, and their daughters, Madeline and Charlotte. He is also survived by step-sons Jason Short, Clark Short, and Charles Short and their wives and children, all living in North Carolina. Also surviving are first cousins Mary Spencer, of Dallas, and Johnny Spencer, of San Jose, California.

We wish to thank Cypress Basin Hospice and the many friends of Winnsboro who loved and supported him.

A Celebration of Life is planned for Sunday, February 16 at First Methodist Church, Winnsboro at 2 PM, with visitation at 1 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Winnsboro Center for the Arts or First United Methodist Church, Winnsboro.

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