Paul Abernathy

Mr. James Paul Abernathy, 83, of Hartwell, passed away Friday, December 26, 2025 peacefully at his home.

Born on April 22, 1942 in Atlanta GA, he was the son of the late Ernest Hubert Abernathy and Annie Myrtle Pittman Abernathy. Mr. Abernathy received his Bachelors in Education from Georgia Southern, and his Masters and Specialist degrees from the University of Georgia.

Mr. Abernathy was a lifelong educator, starting as a Teacher, then an Assistant Principal, Principal of Elbert County High School, Assistant Superintendent, Superintendent and finally served as a Regional Director for Pioneer RESA.

Mr. Abernathy was also very active in his community, he was a member of the Kiwanis Club of Hartwell and was an advocate for the Hart County Imagination Library program. He was also a member of the First Baptist Church of Hartwell.

Survivors include his wife: Jewell H. Abernathy; a son: David A. Abernathy (Alison) of Athens; a daughter: Missy A. Algood (Craig) of Elberton and two grandsons: Hatton and Jack Abernathy.

Mr. Abernathy was preceded in death by his parents; a brother: Maxey Abernathy and three sisters: Opal Sorrow, Della Mae Smith and Kathryn Franck.

Mr. Abernathy wished to be cremated and a service to celebrate his life will be Saturday, January 3, 2026 at 11:00 at the First Baptist Church of Hartwell with Dr. Stuart Lang, Rev. Gary Purvis and Rev. Len Strozier officiating. The family will receive friends following the service in the church fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Imagination Library, Hart Partners, 110 Benson Street, Hartwell GA 30643 or to the Hart Co. Christian Learning Center, PO Box 448, Hartwell GA 30643.

The Strickland Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Hartwell is assisting the family with all of the arrangements.