Don Ernest Abernathy

Don E Abernathy of Cary, NC passed away this December. A devoted family man he is survived by his wife, Rachel, and children Leslie Tramontin (John), LeAnn Johnson (Ken), and Matt Abernathy as well as 6 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. 
 
Born in 1933 in Mt. Holly, NC, he spent much of his youth in West Palm Beach, FL. After attending both UNC and UF, he graduated from the University of Florida School of Architecture. He married the love of his life, Rachel Kirksey in 1957. They spent 60 years in Charlotte, NC, where they raised their family. He and his business partners formed an architecture firm, Surratt, Smith, and Abernathy, and established a corporate relationship with Belk Store Services. They designed stores in 13 states across the south. A member of the AIA, he served for a time as the President of the NC AIA. He served many years on the Charlotte Board of Adjustment and helped select the 1st dean of the school of Architecture at UNCC. 
 
Don enjoyed camping, swimming, tennis, and golf but his true passion was motorcycles. He rode from the age of 13 to 88, setting records in flat track racing in the 1950s and winning trophies as a member of the Charlotte Motocross Association in the 1970s. Later, in his touring years, he served as president of the state chapter of BMW Motorcyclists Association. He also spent many hours collecting and restoring vintage motorbikes. 
 
Many thanks to the staff at Swift Creek Assisted Living and Hospice for their care. 
 
Interment will be in Stanley, NC at a later date.

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