Edwin D. (Rusty) Abernathy, Jr. formerly of Opelika and Waverly, Alabama passed away April 28, 2022 after a hard fought battle with Alzheimer's Disease. He was born September 3, 1947 in Valley, Alabama (Langdale), Rusty as he was known by all was preceded in depth by his parents Edwin Davis Abernathy, Sr., and Yvonne W. Abernathy, as well as a grandson Brent Abernathy.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory his wife of 54 years Diane Helton Abveernathy, son Jason (Christy) Abernathy, daughter Leigh (Dave) Cannon, along with grandchildren Michael (Kelsey) Abernathy, Ansley (Dalton) Moon, Graham Cannon, Ryan Bond and Peyton Still, his great grandchildren Parker, Gacie, Luke, and Lilly, he is also survived by 2 brothers Mark (Donna) Abernathy, Charlie (Nancy) Abernathy as well as a host of brothers and sisters in law and many nieces and nephews. To know him was to love him!

The second love of Rusty's life was law enforcement having served at the Lee County Sheriff's office, City of LaFayette and the City of Opelika where he mentored many young officers and others. Rusty graduated from Valley High School (class of 1965) and attended Southern Union State Community College. Until his illness prevented it he was a faithful member of the Waverly Baptist Church in Waverly, Alabama.

A celebration of life and visitation will be held Monday May 2, 2022 at 1PM (CT) at the Waverly Community Center 2114 Patrick Street Waverly, Alabama 36879

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the Waverly Baptist Church 2114 Patrick Street Waverly, Alabama 36879