James Abernethy Obituary

James Samuel (Sam) Abernethy of Diamondhead, Mississippi passed away on January 25, 2024. He was born July 23, 1943, to the late James Bankhead Abernethy and Edna Todd Abernethy. Sam was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Susan Story Abernethy; and their five fur-babies: Wally B, Cap’n Butler, Lady Scarlet, Gracie, and Maggie Mae.

After growing up in Myrtle, Mississippi, Sam graduated from York High School in York, Alabama. He then attended and graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi, where he was a member of Kappa Alpha Fraternity. After graduation, he moved to the New Orleans, Louisiana area where he met his soon to be wife, Susan Story. Sam had a successful career in heavy equipment sales. After retirement from his sales career, he and Susan retired, first, to the North Georgia mountain town of Dahlonega where he was active in real estate and land sales, and much later to the Mississippi Gulf Coast town of Diamondhead.

People often remark that he was a ‘one-of-a-kind’ type of guy. Sam enjoyed cooking (especially anything Cajun) and spending many hours a week talking with family and friends. His passion was creating deals, as he often remarked “Let’s do a deal”! Sam will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. 

Sam is survived by his sister, Suzanne (Dan) Parker; niece, Abbey (Daniel) Parker Wright; great nieces, Marianna, Emma Kate, and Parker Wright, all of Madison, MS.  Sam also leaves behind to cherish his memory Susan’s family, his extended family, and a host of wonderful friends.

A memorial service is planned for March 2, at 11 a.m. at New Beginnings Madison Church, which is meeting at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, 432 Bozeman Road, Madison, Mississippi.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Myrtle United Methodist Church, Myrtle, MS,  New Beginnings Madison Church, UAB Transplant Center, or the charity of your choice.

Riemann Family Funeral Home, Gulfport, is assisting the family.