James Dock Abernathy, Sr.

James (Jim, Jimmy) Dock Abernathy, Sr., 82, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, August 24th, 2025.

Jim was the son of the late Woodrow Abernathy and Hazel Abernathy Farmer. He shared a devoted marriage of 40 years with his wife, Wanda Tillotson Abernathy.

A lifelong resident of Spartanburg County, Jim’s work ethic and sense of responsibility began early—his first job was popping popcorn at the Inman Theater, where his parents worked. He was later promoted to projectionist, a role he fondly remembered. His professional life was dedicated to public service, most notably through the Spartanburg City/County Emergency Communications Department. There, he served as a telecommunicator, chief dispatcher, and ultimately Director of Communications. As Director, Jim played a pivotal role in establishing Spartanburg as the first county in South Carolina to implement county-wide 911 services—something he took great pride in, often joking with a grin that Spartanburg beat Greenville to it.

Before his time in communications, Jim served as a sheriff’s deputy—his favorite job—and he loved sharing stories from those years. After retiring in 1992, he continued to serve others as a consultant for Anderson County Public Safety and later as a tour bus driver for Good News Travels. One of his proudest and most memorable experiences during that time was driving the team bus for the Carolina Panthers football team.

Jim’s greatest joy came from his family. He deeply loved his children and grandchildren, whom he affectionately called his “babies”. His heart was forever marked by the loss of his son, Preston Paulee Abernathy, a sorrow he carried quietly and privately.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Wanda; his son, James “Jammy” Abernathy, Jr.; his daughter, Kiley Painter (Gary); and his cherished grandchildren, Garrison Preston Painter and Karsyn Brooke Painter, who brought him immeasurable joy since the day they were born. He is also survived by his sister, Carolyn Tucker (Ricky); his niece, Lynn Rusnica (Ed); three great-nieces, one great-nephew, and five great-great-nieces and nephews.

Jim was a faithful member of New Prospect Baptist Church, where he served for many years as president of the Friendship Sunday School class. He also held leadership roles in the South Carolina Chapter of APCO (Association of Public Safety Communications Officials), serving as president from 1984–1985 and again from 1990–1991.

The family will receive friends at Floyd’s Boiling Springs Chapel from 1:00 – 2:00 pm on Thursday, August 28th. A service celebrating Jim’s life will immediately follow at 2:00 pm and the entombment will take place across the street at Good Shepherd Memorial Park at 3:00 pm.

The arrangements are entrusted into the care of Floyd’s Boiling Springs Chapel.