NASHVILLE - Wayland Gray Abernathy, Jr., age 84, passed away on Sunday, October 18, 2026. Born in Baltimore, MD on August 11, 1942, he was the son of the late Wayland Gray Abernathy, Sr. and Bertha Pauline Brown Abernathy. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Gary Lee Abernathy.

Wayland is survived by his wife, Regina "Jinx" Abernathy; his daughter, Tatiana R. Abernathy; his son, Wayland Gray Abernathy III; two grandchildren; his youngest brother, Christopher Ira Abernathy; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A Celebration of Life Service to celebrate Wayland's life will be held on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at 1 p.m. at St Andrew's Episcopal Church, 301 S Circle Dr, Rocky Mount, with Rev. Father Les Carpenter officiating. A private family burial will be held at Oak Dale Cemetery, Spring Hope. Visitation with the family will be from 12:00 p.m. to 12:45 p.m. prior to the service at St Andrew's Episcopal Church.