Russell Hiles Abernethy

Russell Hiles Abernethy, 76, died peacefully on October 25, 2022, at White Oak Manor in Charlotte, NC, where he resided for several years after a long illness. Russ was born January 19, 1946, in Charlotte, the 3rd of three children born to Bruce Belle Abernethy and Opal Jean Catlin Abernethy. He was predeceased by both parents and his older siblings Bruce C. Abernethy and Dorothy (Dottie) Abernethy Petty. Russ was a native Charlottean, graduating from East Mecklenburg High in 1964. He was a proud graduate of Clemson University class of 1968 and had several long-time friends from college with whom he still talked, visited, and reminisced regularly. He had a long love of flying and enjoyed two careers that allowed him to do what he loved. First, he was a veteran of the US Air Force, where he served from March 1969 until he retired in April 1995 as a Lt. Colonel. His career spanned from Vietnam to Desert Storm, flying C-141 transport planes and KC-10 refueling aircraft. After active duty with the military and while a reservist, Russ started his commercial aviation career as a pilot with Braniff Airlines in Dallas, TX (1978-1980). From there, he went on to fly for Piedmont Airlines (1984-1989) and US Airways (1989-2006), from which he retired as a captain. In addition to flying, Russ loved watching his beloved Clemson Tigers and Dallas Cowboys football teams, NASCAR races, and riding his Harley Davidson motorcycles. Before his illness, he & his wife, Susan, spent many enjoyable days at their beach home in Garden City, SC. Russ is survived by his loving wife of 11 years, Susan P. Prendergast, of Charlotte, NC, who cared for him during his period of declining health. He is survived by children from his previous marriage, son Russell H. Abernethy, Jr. of Jacksonville, FL, and daughter Suzanne Abernethy Muccio (husband Chris) of Asheville, NC; two grandsons, Benjamin and Zachary Muccio; two nieces Katherine (Kitty) Hunter of Concord, NC and Nancy Pierotti of Greensboro, GA; and nephew Brett Abernethy of McKinney, TX. A celebration of Russ's life will be held on December 15, 2022, at 11:30 AM at Tribute & Tallent Funeral Service at 1937 N. Sharon Amity Road, Charlotte, NC. Following the service, the family will host lunch and receive friends at Mac's Speed Shop, 142 E. John St., Matthews, NC. Russ's ashes will be interred at the family burial plot at Matthews Historical Cemetery in Matthews, NC. The family would like to thank the staff at White Oak Manor for their kindness and care for Russ during his stay there, especially the staff of South Unit. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Tunnel to Towers Foundation for their Gold Star Family program (https://t2t.org/donate/ or Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306) or to the charity of your choice. Celebration of Life Thursday, December 15, 2022 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM Tribute & Tallent Funerals & Cremations 1937 N. Sharon Amity Road Charlotte NC 28205 United States 7045671500